Klute

Bree Daniels is introduced as a New York City prostitute with dreams of becoming a model and actress. Despite her current situation, she holds on to the hope of a better life in the entertainment industry.

Bree works under the control of her pimp, Roy Scheider, alongside two other women, Jane McKenna and Arlyn Page. This relationship highlights the struggles and dynamics within their lives as they navigate the world of prostitution.

After a frightening encounter with a violent client, Bree decides she cannot continue as a full-time prostitute any longer. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of her quest to escape her current life.

Tom Gruneman and his wife host a social gathering in Tuscarora, Pennsylvania. Various guests, including his colleague Peter Cable and a policeman named John Klute, are introduced, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.

Tom Gruneman suddenly disappears from the social gathering, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into his whereabouts. This disappearance is key in connecting multiple character arcs and establishing tension.

During the investigation, authorities discover a lewd letter addressed to Bree in Tom’s office. This leads investigators to her, marking her initial involvement in the mystery surrounding Tom's disappearance.

Bree is arrested for prostitution following her contact with the police. This event urges her to sever ties with her pimp and marks her transition to working independently.

After her release, Bree moves from Park Avenue to a more modest apartment, becoming increasingly paranoid that she is being followed. This anxiety reflects the dire consequences of her past life and the threats looming around her.

With no progress in Tom's case after six months, Peter Cable engages John Klute to investigate in New York. Klute moves into the same building as Bree, starting to piece together the mystery behind Tom's disappearance.

Klute reaches out to Bree for help in solving Tom Gruneman’s disappearance. Although hesitant at first, Bree's intrigue grows along with her feeling of safety as Klute offers her protection from a potential stalker.

Bree attempts to seduce Klute to maintain control in their relationship. However, as he provides her with support in escaping her past, Bree begins to develop genuine feelings for him, deepening their connection.

As Klute digs further, he finds disturbing links between Bree and other former prostitutes, Jane McKenna and Arlyn Page. Their tragic fates, one being a suicide and the other a murder, raise alarm bells for Bree and Klute.

Klute's investigation leads him to suspect Peter Cable as the perpetrator behind the heinous acts against Bree and her friends. Distinct typing errors in the letters sent to Bree connect Cable to the crimes.

In a chilling moment, Peter Cable confesses to Bree that he misled the investigation after being caught with Arlyn. The confession raises questions about his motivations and his connection to Tom Gruneman’s disappearance.

The climax ensues as Cable tries to murder Bree, only to be thwarted by Klute, who intervenes just in time. In the chaos, Cable falls to his death, leaving Bree with hope for a new beginning alongside Klute.