Phillip Marlowe (Robert Mitchum) is hiding in a hotel telling Los Angeles Chief Detective Nulty (John Ireland) of all the events leading up to this day. Told in flashback the story concerns Moose Mallory (Jack O'Halloran), fresh out of jail, hiring Marlowe to find his lost love Velma who has quit writing to the jail bird. At the same time an effeminate gentleman Marriott (John O'Leary) hires Marlowe to accompany him to a secluded location to buy back a string of jade that has been stolen. When Marriott is killed and Marlowe is slugged unconscious the police get involved attempting to pin the murder on the private Dick. As he gets deeper into the case Marlowe discovers that the jade Marriotte was buying back belonged to Mrs. Grayle (Charlotte Rampling), a trophy wife with a personal agenda. As he finds out more Marlowe discovers corruption in the heart of Los Angeles that flows up the higher echelons of society.
Question: Who hires Marlowe?, Answer: Marriott Question: What city is Nulty a chief detective in?, Answer: Los Angeles Question: Where is Phillip hiding?, Answer: A hotel Question: Who does the police attempt to pin the murder of Marriott on?, Answer: private Dick Question: Who do the police attempt to pin the murder on?, Answer: Private Dick Question: What was one thing that Marlowe discovered while digging into the case?, Answer: Corruption in Los Angeles Question: Who is Phillip's lost love?, Answer: Velma Question: Who just got out of jail?, Answer: Moose Mallory Question: Where is Phillip Marlowe hiding?, Answer: hotel