The Swap 1979

Sam Nicoletti, a film editor, works in his office where he is unaware that there is an intruder. After talking on the phone, Sam is rendered unconscious by the intruder.

Ten years later, Vito Nicoletti is released from prison for an unspecified crime. He becomes determined to learn who killed Sam and why. He visits Erica Moore, a publisher, whom he knows spent time with Sam in his final days. She explains that her husband had an affair with Carole Moore, a girl Sam had been dating who ended up marrying Carole. In flashbacks, we see more about a weekend Sam spent with wealthy friends Warren and Mickey, a memory that hints at the tensions surrounding Sam’s circle.

From a cemetery caretaker in the place where Sam is buried, Alvin Hammer reveals that a girl has been visiting Sam’s grave for the last ten years. He confronts her when she visits, but she drives away. Tracing her license plate, Vito goes to her home and reveals that he is Sam’s brother. Vivian Buck, who later admits she was in Sam’s pornographic films, confirms that Sam’s private life extended into dangerous territory, leaving Vito shocked by Sam’s involvement in that business.

Vito is led to Warren and his wife, who both have reason to prevent the porn film from ever seeing the light of day. He secures the reel of film and has it processed while Vivian transports him around town. Warren’s wife seduces Vito at his hotel, but slips him a Mickey, later kidnapping him at gunpoint. Vito overpowers her, turns the gun on her, and she is killed.

Vito is wounded, but he and Vivian watch the porn film and see that Warren is in it. Vivian drives him to Warren’s home, where he shoots Warren’s houseboy and then finds Warren in the bathtub. Warren pleads for his life, but Vito shoots him.

Vivian and Vito drive away. She believes they can reach the mountains where a doctor might help him, but his condition worsens. As he fades, she tells him that she loves him, leaving their fragile alliance to face an uncertain future together.