The Arnelo Affair

Anne Parkson, a wealthy Chicago lawyer's wife, feels bored and neglected in her marriage, seeking attention and excitement outside her home. She interacts with her husband's new client, Tony Arnelo, a nightclub owner, under the pretense of helping him with interior design. Her desire for passion and connection prompts her to meet with Tony regularly, despite the risks.

One afternoon, Anne arrives at Tony’s for their usual meeting, but their encounter is interrupted when Tony’s girlfriend Claire shows up, upset about being replaced. A confrontation ensues, with Tony slapping Claire, which prompts Anne to leave in haste, leaving her belongings behind. The scene highlights her inner conflict and the tension in the affair.

That same night, Claire is found murdered. Near her body, police discover Anne's unique compact, a treasured anniversary gift from Ted, which had fallen from her purse during her hurried departure. Tony had planted the compact to implicate Anne falsely, intending to blackmail her into an affair and further his own interests.

Following the murder, Anne is overwhelmed with guilt and distress. She faints during a gathering at Tony’s nightclub, which her husband Ted organized as a surprise. She is diagnosed and placed under a doctor's care, revealing her fragile mental state amid the turmoil.

Ted discovers that Anne had a key to Tony’s apartment and finds a compact along with a partially written farewell note from Anne, falsely implicating her in the murder and suggesting an unfulfilled affair. Convinced of her guilt, Ted confronts Tony at his apartment, although he is unaware of her innocence.

Feeling hopeless, Anne takes a bottle of sleeping pills, intending to end her life as she grapples with the chaos surrounding her. This act underscores her deep despair and sense of being trapped in the web of lies and accusations.

Homicide detective Sam Leonard informs Tony that he has enough evidence to indict him, hinting at an impending trial. Meanwhile, Leonard also tells Tony he’s going to prison, adding pressure to Tony’s desperate situation. Tony counters, confident he can avoid conviction and manipulates the outcome.

Knowing he’s cornered and facing trial, Tony decides to flee. Detective Leonard pursues him, ordering him to halt. In a final confrontation, Leonard shoots Tony twice, killing him. Before dying, Tony confesses to Ted that he lied about the murder, clearing Anne’s name.

Ted rushes home to find Anne cared for by a doctor. She recovers from her overdose, both physically and emotionally, and they embrace, reaffirming their bond. The climax reveals her innocence and the destructive power of deceit, leading to a hopeful resolution.