True Confessions

True Confessions

Year: 1981

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Ulu Grosbard

DramaCrime

After fading from the public eye, a former teenage star struggles to adjust to a more private existence. She finds herself living with her pragmatic aunt, who offers guidance and support as the young woman confronts the challenges of navigating life away from the glare of fame and the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – True Confessions (1981)

Trace every key event in True Confessions (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Desmond Spellacy's Rise

In the late 1940s, Rev. Desmond Spellacy, a young Roman Catholic monsignor, thrived within the Los Angeles archdiocese. His ability to manage church projects efficiently set him apart, although he often overlooked the questionable dealings of his friend, Jack Amsterdam.

Late 1940s Los Angeles
2

Tom Spellacy's Investigative Work

Des's older brother, Tom Spellacy, was a seasoned LAPD homicide detective deeply embedded in the city's criminal activities. His exceptional skills and reputation positioned him among the elite officers dedicated to uncovering the truth in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles
3

The Murder of Lois Fazenda

A gruesome murder of Lois Fazenda, a young woman with a controversial reputation, took place in a desolate lot. The media sensationalized her death, coining her 'the Virgin Tramp', which brought the darkest secrets of the city to light.

Desolate Lot in Los Angeles
4

Tom and Frank Dive into Investigation

Assigned to investigate Fazenda's murder, Tom and his partner Frank Crotty delved into the city's sinister world. Their inquiries led them to uncover links between the victim and Brenda Samuels, a known madam with connections to both Tom and Amsterdam.

Los Angeles
5

Revelation of a Murdered Priest

While investigating Brenda's involvement, Tom discovered unsettling information about a murdered priest linked to her establishment. This revelation added complexity to the already tense investigation, raising more unanswered questions.

Brenda's Brothel
6

Connection to Adult Filmmakers

Tom's investigation led him to a young woman who co-starred with Fazenda in adult films. This connection opened up a larger web of deception, hinting at the involvement of influential figures within the city's underground.

Brenda's Establishment
7

Standard's Interest in Fazenda

The inquiry took a turn towards Standard, a notable pornography director fascinated with Fazenda’s tattoo. His interest in her not only personalized the case but also hinted at broader corruption that extended beyond local crime.

Standard's Studio
8

Desmond Faces Dilemma with Jack Amsterdam

Concerned about the implications of Amsterdam's shady dealings, Tom confronted Des about his brother’s associations. This uncomfortable exchange revealed Des's inner conflict between his religious duties and his friendship with a corrupt businessman.

Desmond's Office
9

The Banquet and Confrontation

Des organized a lavish banquet to honor Amsterdam as 'layman of the year', a decision that angered Tom. The event culminated in a heated confrontation where Tom accused Amsterdam of having an affair with Lois, reflecting the fracturing of their familial bond.

Banquet Hall
10

Discovery in Standard's Studio

Tom ventured into Standard's studio, uncovering bloodied floors and a bathtub bearing evidence of violence. Additionally, he found remnants of Chinese food linked to the medical examiner who autopsied Fazenda, suggesting a deepening mystery.

Standard's Studio
11

Death of the Porn Director

As Tom and Frank pursued leads, they discovered that Standard had died in a car accident shortly after the crime. This shocking twist left them grappling with the implications of their findings and the unpredictable nature of their investigation.

Los Angeles
12

Threats from Amsterdam's Lawyer

Amsterdam's lawyer Dan Campion delivered a warning to Desmond, cautioning him that any further scrutiny on Tom could ruin his standing in the church. This threat intensified the strain between the brothers and highlighted the stakes involved.

Law Office
13

Brenda's Mysterious Death

Tom's determination for justice was solidified when Brenda was found dead, ruled as an apparent suicide. This tragic turn galvanized Tom's resolve to pursue the truth about the scandal and Amsterdam’s involvement at any cost.

Los Angeles
14

Questioning Amsterdam and Des

Tom and the police brought in Amsterdam for questioning, followed closely by Desmond. This marked a pivotal moment in the investigation, as the consequences of their actions began to unravel, affecting both their lives irreparably.

Police Station
15

A Final Reunion

Years later, with death imminent, Tom visited Des, burdened by guilt over his brother’s fall from grace. Despite the pain of their history, Des radiated a peaceful grace and absolved Tom of blame in their tumultuous lives, offering a moment of redemption.

Years Later Desmond's Remote Parish

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 13:50

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True Confessions Summary

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True Confessions Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in True Confessions

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Characters, Settings & Themes in True Confessions

More About True Confessions

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