Melinda

Melinda

Year: 1972

Runtime: 109 mins

Language: English

Director: Hugh A. Robertson

CrimeActionDrama

A smooth‑talking, womanizing young black DJ falls hard for an enigmatic woman he’s just met, only to discover her dead in his apartment. He learns the local mob killed her and is framing him for the crime. With police closing in, he enlists old acquaintances to clear his name and avenge her death.

Melinda (1972) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Melinda (1972) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the electric haze of 1970s Los Angeles, a charismatic radio disc jockey spins more than just records. Frankie J. Parker is a smooth‑talking, womanizing young black DJ whose voice drifts through the city’s night‑clubs, car rides, and cheap apartments, giving him a reputation that blends confidence with a carefree swagger. When he isn’t behind the mic, he slips into a world of neon‑lit parties and the pulsating rhythm of the streets, a place where charisma can open any door and a quick smile can keep trouble at bay.

One evening the airwaves carry an unfamiliar voice that belongs to a striking, enigmatic newcomer from Chicago. She introduces herself as Melinda, and the chemistry between them is immediate, pulling Frankie away from his usual flirtations toward something that feels unexpectedly genuine. Their brief, charged encounter hints at a deeper connection, suggesting that beneath his playboy exterior lies a yearning for something more substantial—an intimacy that could reshape his outlook on love and purpose.

The night takes a dark turn when Frankie returns to his apartment to find Melinda gone, her absence replacing the thrill of romance with a chilling sense of loss. The city’s undercurrents—its local mob and an increasingly suspicious police presence— begin to close in, leaving Frankie caught in a web of accusation and danger. With his freedom at stake, he turns to the few trusted allies from his past, people who share his love of streetwise camaraderie and who can help him navigate a world that suddenly feels hostile.

The film rides a gritty, soulful groove, blending the swagger of nightclub life with the tense rhythm of a man forced to confront his own vulnerabilities. Amid flashing lights and the constant hum of the radio, Frankie must decide whether his old friendships and newfound resolve are enough to survive a city that can be as unforgiving as it is intoxicating.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:04

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Thrillers about being framed like Melinda

Ordinary people forced into dangerous games to clear their names.If you liked the tense, high-stakes action of Melinda, you'll enjoy these movies about characters wrongly accused of a crime. This list features similar fast-paced thrillers and crime dramas where the hero must evade capture and uncover the truth to clear their name.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically begin with a shocking inciting incident that frames the protagonist. The plot follows a linear, urgent quest for truth and justice, forcing the hero to use their wits and resourcefulness against a powerful, often shadowy, antagonist. The journey is marked by chase sequences, narrow escapes, and a growing conspiracy.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core narrative structure of a wrongful accusation, creating immediate high stakes and a paranoid, thrilling tone. They often feature a fast pace, high intensity, and a protagonist the audience roots for as they navigate a world suddenly turned against them.

Movies with bittersweet revenge like Melinda

Stories where getting even leaves a hollow victory and emotional scars.Explore films with a similar gritty, melancholic tone to Melinda, where the pursuit of vengeance is central but the victory feels hollow. These movies often blend action with heavy drama, resulting in a powerful and emotionally resonant, if not entirely happy, ending.

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Narrative Summary

The journey is fueled by a profound personal loss or betrayal. The protagonist's quest for retribution is the main plot, often involving escalating violence. However, the resolution emphasizes the emotional cost; the antagonist may be defeated, but the protagonist's life or spirit is permanently altered, leaving a sense of melancholy rather than pure triumph.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups films that share a specific emotional arc: a heavy weight driven by grief and betrayal, leading to a violent climax that delivers justice but not necessarily closure. The combination of high-intensity action with a bittersweet, melancholic undertone creates a distinct and powerful viewing experience.

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Melinda Summary

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Melinda Summary

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Melinda Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Melinda

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Melinda

More About Melinda

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