Out of the Past

Jeff Bailey owns a gas station in Bridgeport, California and lives a seemingly content life with his girlfriend Ann Miller. His existence is marked by routine and a desire for peace, yet the tranquility is soon disrupted by someone recognizing him from his shadowy past.

A stranger recognizes Jeff and mentions that Whit Sterling, a notorious gambler, is searching for him. This revelation sets off alarm bells for Jeff, who has tried to bury his past and live a quiet life.

In an attempt to confide, Jeff reveals to Ann that his real name is Jeff Markham and shares pieces of his mysterious history. He explains his old life as a private investigator in New York, foreshadowing the troubles that are about to come.

Jeff recalls the dangerous assignment where he and his partner were hired by Whit to find his girlfriend, Kathie Moffat. Kathie had shot Whit and disappeared with a significant amount of money, sending Jeff down a treacherous path.

Jeff starts his investigation by interviewing Kathie's former maid, Eunice. Clues suggest that Kathie had planned for a warm climate, leading Jeff to believe she may have escaped to Mexico.

Determined to find Kathie, Jeff travels to Mexico City and later to Acapulco. There, he encounters her and they quickly develop a romantic relationship, despite the looming danger of Whit's wrath.

While growing closer to Kathie, Jeff initially hides his true intentions regarding Whit's search for her. Their bond intensifies as they devise a plan to evade the threats from their past.

Their escape plan is interrupted when Whit and his henchman Joe Stephanos track them down. Jeff lies about Kathie's whereabouts, claiming she has left on a boat, showcasing his desperation to protect her.

In San Francisco, the couple attempts to lay low, only for Jeff's former partner Fisher to discover them. A dangerous confrontation leads to Fisher's death at Kathie's hands, further complicating the situation.

After a series of brutal events, Jeff assures Ann that he has not seen Kathie since the violent encounter. Nevertheless, he reluctantly heads to meet Whit, signaling his struggle to escape his troubled past.

Upon meeting Whit, Jeff learns that Kathie has rekindled her connection with him. As Jeff is hired to recover tax records to thwart Whit's blackmail, the tension escalates significantly.

A shocking turn occurs when Jeff finds Eels murdered, revealing Whit's plot to frame him. This discovery plunges Jeff deeper into danger as he unravels the web of deceit surrounding him.

In an ultimate twist, Kathie urges Jeff to flee with her, but he ultimately chooses to contact the authorities. This decision leads to tragic consequences as misunderstandings and betrayal unfold.

As Jeff and Kathie attempt to escape, they encounter a police roadblock. In a desperate act, Kathie turns on Jeff, resulting in both being shot amidst the chaos of police fire.

In the wake of the violent events, Ann questions the reality of Jeff's feelings for Kathie. The story culminates in themes of love and betrayal as Ann must reconcile her memories of Jeff with the harsh truths of his past.