True Confession

In 1948, Rev. Desmond Spellacy serves as a young Roman Catholic monsignor in the bustling Los Angeles archdiocese. His ability to manage church projects economically stands out, though he occasionally ignores moral dilemmas in the construction dealings he oversees.

The gruesome discovery of Lois Fazenda's body in a vacant lot shocks the community, especially as her remains are found cut in two. This sensational murder case quickly catches the attention of the press, where she is dubbed 'the Virgin Tramp' due to her dual identity as both a Catholic and a prostitute.

Tom, a seasoned homicide detective and Des's older brother, takes charge of the murder investigation along with his partner, Frank Crotty. They soon discover links to local corruption when they encounter Brenda Samuels, a madam with a troubled past and ties to the case.

Brenda Samuels contacts the police, disclosing that a Catholic priest was found dead while engaging with one of her prostitutes. During this encounter, she confronts Tom about her imprisonment, showcasing her deep resentment toward the corrupt dealings of Jack Amsterdam.

As Tom delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that Fazenda was involved in a stag film. With Frank by his side, they locate this film and notice a crucial detail—a girl from the movie had connections to Brenda's brothel on the day of the priest's death.

Following a lead, Tom and Frank spot the girl from the stag film as she is arrested during a police roundup. They learn she was favored by porno director Standard due to a distinctive tattoo, connecting her further to the ongoing investigation.

During a lunch meeting, Tom confronts Amsterdam with knowledge about his dark dealings, putting Des in an uncomfortable position. Des, aware of the church's tarnished reputation, urges the Cardinal to sever ties with Amsterdam, cementing their moral conflict.

As a final gesture to Amsterdam, Des organizes a 'layman of the year' banquet, ostensibly to honor him. However, this act is laced with bitter irony, as it signifies the end of their tumultuous relationship, culminating in a public confrontation between Tom and Amsterdam.

Tom visits Standard's filming location and uncovers sinister clues, including evidence of violence. With the floor and bathtub marked by dried blood, he realizes the depths of corruption tied to the case, intensifying his resolve to seek justice.

Unexpectedly, Tom learns that Standard, the director embroiled in the scandal, died in a car accident shortly after Fazenda's murder. This shocking twist leaves Tom questioning the connections between all the ongoing events and heightens the urgency of his investigation.

Amsterdam's lawyer, Dan Campion, confronts Des, advising him to distance himself from Tom's relentless pursuit of justice. This warning underscores the potential dangers to Des's reputation, highlighting the interconnectedness of corruption in their lives.

The situation escalates when Tom discovers Brenda's lifeless body, ruled an apparent suicide. This devastating turn pushes Tom to intensify his efforts against Amsterdam, desperate to reveal the truth behind the layers of deceit plaguing their lives.

Determined for justice, Tom insists on bringing Amsterdam in for questioning, leading to unexpected consequences for Des as well. The bond between the brothers becomes strained as they navigate the conflicts of loyalty versus the quest for truth.

Facing the fallout from the investigation, Des asks to be moved to a remote parish in the desert, marking a significant downturn in his career. This relocation symbolizes his internal conflict and the cost of navigating corruption within the church.

Years later, a dying Des is visited by Tom, who feels immense guilt for the path their lives have taken. In this poignant moment, Des finds peace and absolves his brother, offering a bittersweet resolution to their tumultuous journey together.