Madigan

Madigan and Bonaro break into a sleazy Spanish Harlem apartment and arrest Barney Benesch, who is wanted for questioning. The suspect is momentarily distracted by his nude girlfriend, allowing him to slip away with the detectives' guns. The arrest fails and Benesch escapes, setting up the manhunt.

Police Commissioner Anthony X. Russell reprimands the two detectives for working outside their precinct. He emphasizes that rules must be followed and that accountability matters, even under pressure.

Russell is juggling several problems beyond the Benesch case. His married mistress Tricia Bentley has decided to end their relationship, a black minister Dr. Taylor claims his teenaged son was brutalized by racist policemen, and Chief Inspector Kane is implicated in a bribe to protect a hangout for prostitutes.

Despite the setback, Russell gives Madigan and Bonaro a 72-hour deadline to arrest Benesch. The clock adds pressure as the detectives pursue new leads and coordinate with other precincts.

Madigan tries to spend time with his wife, Julia, who is socially and sexually frustrated. He also keeps a side relationship with Jonesy, a nightclub singer, though he tells Jonesy he loves Julia.

The commissioner confronts Kane with the bribe evidence. Kane offers to turn in his badge but resents the accusation, asking the commissioner what he would know about being a father.

Madigan takes Julia to a fancy dress ball for the department and they stay at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel. She is excited to dance but becomes worried when she realizes he may ditch her for work.

Captain Ben Williams uses the opportunity to get Julia drunk and seduce her, and she nearly succumbs but cannot go through with it.

Benesch uses Madigan's gun to shoot two policemen. The violent act escalates the manhunt and tightens the noose around the fugitives.

The detectives receive a lead from Midget Castiglione and pursue Hughie, one of Benesch's pimps, tracing him to a Spanish Harlem apartment. They lay a police cordon and order Benesch to surrender.

In the ensuing gunfight, Madigan is fatally wounded, and Bonaro is unable to kill Benesch in time. The confrontation ends with Madigan's death and an unresolved pursuit of Benesch.

Russell consoles Julia, who accuses him of heartlessness. He and Kane depart, and Russell says that they can address Dr. Taylor and other matters tomorrow.