The File on Thelma Jordon

Late at night, Thelma Jordon arrives at the district attorney's office to report a series of burglaries at Vera's home. She meets assistant district attorney Cleve Marshall, an unhappily married man who is drawn to her. He invites her to have a drink, and their dangerous romance begins to unfold.

Thelma explains she is estranged from her husband Tony and is living with Vera, a wealthy recluse. This arrangement deepens Vera's involvement in Thelma's life and foreshadows the motives that drive later events.

One night Vera is shot dead in her house. Thelma calls Cleve to report the intruder and, together, they begin concealing evidence that could incriminate Thelma. Cleve's actions set in motion a dangerous chain of concealment.

The district attorney arrests Thelma as the prime suspect, but Cleve begins undermining the case from within. He takes control of the prosecution and handles it in a way that opens the door to reasonable doubt for the defense.

Footprints attributed to an elusive Mr. X appear, suggesting an unseen culprit. In truth, the prints point to Cleve himself, exposing his role in the cover-up and further weakening the prosecution's case.

Thelma is acquitted at trial, allowing her to walk free and inherit Vera's wealth. The outcome shocks those who suspect her, as the motive for murder remains murky and intertwined with Vera's fortune.

More of Thelma's past comes to light: she had killed Vera, and Tony—whom she loves but is not her husband—had plotted the scheme to get Vera's money with her. The revelation redefines the relationships and motives behind the crime.

Cleve visits Thelma's home, confronting her about the truth. Thelma admits the affair with Tony, and Tony strikes Cleve, knocking him unconscious so Thelma and Tony can escape.

Unable to cope with her guilt, Thelma triggers a car crash that kills Tony and leaves her with fatal injuries. The tragedy seals the fates of all involved and accelerates the moral reckoning.

Lying in a hospital bed, Thelma confesses the truth to the district attorney. She reveals Vera's murder but chooses not to implicate Cleve as Mr. X, saying she cannot reveal the man's name because she loves him.

The district attorney realizes that Cleve must be Mr. X and that his actions amount to serious professional liability. He informs Cleve that he will be disbarred for his role in the cover-up.

Cleve reveals that he had been in the process of confessing when he heard about the car accident. He chooses to walk away from the case and head toward a new life, free of the scandal.