The Velvet Touch

After finishing a play, Valerie tells Gordon Dunning she wants to appear in Peter Gunther's upcoming Hedda Gabler revival to prove her versatility. Gordon tries to steer her back to his own comedy projects. The two then go to Gordon's party, where Valerie meets the architect Michael Morrell.

Valerie dines with Michael Morrell and the conversation turns toward her career. She feels a growing romantic attraction to him. The meal marks the start of a potential new partnership both personally and professionally.

That night, Valerie invites Marian into her dressing room and encourages Marian to pursue Gordon as she pleases. Later, Valerie and Michael attend Gordon's party at Sardi's, where Gordon's feelings toward Valerie rekindle.

On the closing night of Valerie's current play, she reads Jeff Trent's article about her upcoming role. She confronts Gordon in his office and demands a retraction, but he refuses. The argument apparently ends with Gordon's death.

A police sergeant arrives to notify Valerie about the murder investigation and Captain Danbury's inquiries. Marian Webster, who has been hospitalized, is implicated as the prime suspect.

Danbury escorts Valerie to Gordon's office and shows a letter Gordon had written rejecting Marian's love. He also notes Marian's fingers were on the statuette.

Valerie returns to her apartment and tells Michael she believes Marian is innocent. Michael, moved by her stance, proposes to marry Valerie and invites Danbury to Valerie's interview with Jeff.

Michael and Danbury discuss the interview for Jeff; Valerie postpones the interview and offers a hypothetical theory about how she could have killed Gordon. Danbury dismisses the theory for a lack of motive.

Valerie visits Marian in the hospital; Marian has guessed Valerie killed Gordon and denounces her as a remorseless killer. Valerie later goes to Danbury to confess, but learns Marian has killed herself.

Under heavy distress, Valerie is unable to concentrate during rehearsals and runs back home. The pressure of the impending opening night weighs on her and she struggles to focus.

On opening night, Danbury informs that the investigation is closed, with Marian having killed Gordon. Michael admits he already knew the truth. Valerie writes a letter of confession and hides it in her velvet gloves.

After the final act, Valerie turns herself in to the authorities. She nonetheless receives a final standing ovation from the cast and audience.