Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Year: 1990

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Pierson

DramaTV MovieThriller

Taut thriller about a photographer who races the clock to clear a man about to be executed.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture (1990)

Trace every key event in Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Eames's death-row request

Ray Eames has spent seven years on death row. For his final moment, his last request is that his execution be photographed, a demand Paul Marish reluctantly agrees to fulfill. The arrangement sets the stage for a fraught investigation that will challenge the official story.

days before scheduled execution prison death row
2

Airport meeting with Rusher

Marish arrives at the airport to take the assignment and meets Jake Rusher, McGrath's former partner. Rusher urges him not to photograph the death, arguing it will retraumatize those who would rather forget Eames. His warning hints at a hidden truth behind the case.

the day Marish takes the assignment airport
3

Execution postponed by reprieve

On the day of the scheduled execution, Eames is brought to the chair and blindfolded. At the last moment, a reprieve is ordered, and the execution is halted.

the day of the scheduled execution execution chamber
4

Protest exits and Rusher's tragedy

Marish leaves the prison as protests swirl outside. At his home, Rusher frees the pets, marks a crime-scene photo with 'NO JUSTICE,' and then shoots himself.

that night prison; Rusher's home/exotic-pet store
5

News crew begins the investigation

Dan Weston, a Time reporter, arrives to help Marish pursue the story. They begin to assemble the facts and search for the truth behind the McGrath murder.

after the reprieve and Rusher's suicide prison vicinity and town
6

Visit to Hannah and Brown

Marish and Weston visit Hannah McGrath and policeman Jerry Brown to break the news of Rusher's suicide. They learn the emotional toll on the family and community.

shortly after Rusher's death Hannah's home
7

DA March defends the official version

Marish and Weston interview D.A. Steve March, who defends the official line that Eames was a patsy and that the death penalty exists for cases like this. Marish questions the rhetoric and seeks deeper truths.

during early interviews DA's office
8

A romance grows amid the investigation

As the investigation deepens, a romance develops between Marish and Hannah, raising personal stakes for the pursuit of justice. The relationship complicates the dynamic of truth-telling and accountability.

during investigation phase town; Hannah's home
9

Clue from the crime-scene photo

Marish discovers the crime-scene photo left by Rusher is reversed compared to the courtroom image, implying the bullet came from a different direction. This finding fuels his suspicion that Eames did not shoot McGrath.

as he analyzes evidence Marish's investigation
10

Tatum is alive and paid to stay silent

Knighton reveals that Floyd Tatum, Eames's former informant, is alive and was receiving money from Rusher to keep silent. Marish, Hannah, and Brown locate Tatum to confront him.

late in the investigation Tatum's location
11

Tatum's confession and the scheme

Tatum refuses to testify but Marish secretly records his confession. He reveals a drug-trafficking plot involving Knighton, Rusher, and himself, and confirms that McGrath had uncovered their scheme.

before the trial is reopened Tatum's location
12

Hannah's motive revealed

Hannah admits she had an affair with Rusher, giving him a personal motive to murder her husband. The admission adds complexity to the case and supports the broader conspiracy.

before the courtroom decisions Hannah's home
13

Evening submission of the confession

That evening, Hannah and Marish rush back to town with Tatum's taped confession and present it to D.A. March and Judge Landis. Landis refuses to grant Eames another trial, calling the evidence hearsay.

evening before execution court/courtroom
14

Marish confronts the execution

At the prison, Marish tries in vain to stop the execution, yelling at the glass and pleading with the authorities. It takes two electrical charges to kill Eames, and the process is completed.

late on the day of execution prison witness chamber
15

Aftermath: reprieve arrives too late

Landis reprieves Eames too late; Marish photographs the stunned warden and the confused witnesses. He exits the prison amid fireworks and a crowd divided between candlelight protesters and celebrants.

immediately after the execution prison exterior

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:09

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Don't stop at just watching — explore Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

More About Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Similar Movies to Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture

Discover movies like Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.