Smart-Aleck Kill / Raymond Chandler

Private detective Mallory has been hired by a film studio to handle a blackmail threat against director Derek Whalen, but Whalen is uncooperative. Two armed men enter the flat and demand payment from Whalen. They take Mallory and head for the bank, but Mallory’s driver helps him escape. Later, Mallory receives a call from Whalen’s girlfriend who is worried about him; Mallory goes to check on him and finds him dead from a gunshot to the head, made to look like a suicide. Mallory enlists the help of another studio detective, Denny, and traces the gun to its former owner, a blonde who is involved with Councillor Sutro….