Torchy Runs for Mayor

Torchy Blane begins a series of investigative articles accusing Mayor John Saunders of colluding with crime boss Dr. Jerry Dolan and Dolan's illegal activities. She relies on information she obtained from the mayor's office using a listening device. The articles ignite public interest and set the stage for a broader political confrontation.

Dolan pressures his allies to withdraw advertising from Torchy's newspaper and pressures her editor to cancel the articles. Advertisers threaten to pull funding, threatening the paper's financial stability. Torchy remains determined to continue reporting the truth despite the pressure.

Torchy overhears Dolan telling the mayor about his 'little red book' of transactions and illegal payoffs. She breaks into Dolan's house and locates the book, securing concrete evidence. The discovery gives her the leverage to persist with the investigation.

Dolan reports the burglary to the police and demands the return of his book. The incident escalates the confrontation between Dolan and Torchy, increasing the danger around her work. Torchy remains committed to exposing the truth.

Torchy writes more articles exposing Dolan, but her newspaper editor rejects them, fearing further advertising losses. The editor's hesitation shows how syndicate pressure can shape a paper's editorial line. Torchy begins seeking other outlets to publish her work.

Torchy visits other newspapers and meets Hubert Ward, publisher of a small paper. Ward decides to print the story, providing a platform that the mainstream papers won't offer. With Ward's backing and Gahagan's help, Torchy distributes the publication around the city.

Between the publication and public sentiment, a recall election is triggered against the corrupt mayor. Citizens rally behind Ward as the alternative candidate. Torchy’s reporting expands beyond her own paper, reshaping the political landscape.

During the campaign, Ward is murdered by Dolan with a fatal injection. Steve McBride, annoyed by Torchy's interference, jokingly writes her name as the new candidate. The murder shocks the city and drastically alters the race.

Torchy decides to run for mayor seriously, not as a joke, and begins campaigning. She garners growing support and is framed as a reformer determined to topple Dolan's network. The race becomes a personal crusade for truth and integrity.

Dolan's man kidnaps Torchy and drugs her, intending to derail the campaign. Steve threatens Dolan to no avail, but cannot prevent the kidnapping. The danger underscores the high stakes of the election and Torchy's safety.

Steve McBride and Gahagan locate the hideout and confront Dolan and his men. They fight the criminals and rescue Torchy. Six policemen arrive, arresting Dolan and his accomplices.

Dolan escapes in Gahagan's police car but the car explodes, killing him. Torchy survives the ordeal and the criminals are neutralized. The city begins to recover from the violent confrontation.

Torchy wins the mayoral election, signaling a political victory for reform. In a photo moment with a baby, she decides she does not want the job and would rather marry McBride. The film ends on a note that blends public triumph with private happiness.