Synopsis: In this slick updating of Dashiell Hammet's crime novel, political boss Paul Madvig falls for reform politician Ralph Henry's attractive daughter Janet, despite the caution of his best friend, Ed Beaumont. Paul's efforts to disassociate himself from the criminal underworld backfire, however, when he is accused of murdering Janet's disreputable brother, and a casino owner Paul had offended sends his sadistic thugs after Ed in revenge.