What Is Chinatown About?
The premise of Chinatown in 317 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sultry heat of 1930s Los Angeles, a city built on ambition and scarcity, the relentless quest for water has become a silent war. The streets are washed with neon glare and lingering dust, and every conversation drifts between whispers of drought, booming real‑estate schemes, and the ever‑present pull of power. Against this backdrop, the atmosphere is thick with moral ambiguity, where a single drop can shift fortunes and secrets linger like fog over the harbor.
Jake Gittes is the city’s go‑to private investigator, known for untangling tangled marriages with a blend of sharp wit and a weary cynicism that hints at a deeper code of honor. He moves through the labyrinth of smoky offices and sun‑splashed boulevards, his reputation built on discretion and a knack for exposing hidden truths. When a mysterious woman arrives with a request that seems straightforward—a lover’s surveillance—he is drawn into a case that quickly proves more intricate than a simple affair.
Evelyn Mulwray presents herself as a grieving wife, yet beneath her composed exterior lies a network of family ties and old loyalties that intersect with the city’s water politics and the shadowy machinations of its elite. The investigation pulls Gittes into a vortex of corporate interests, municipal corruption, and a lineage of secrets that have long festered beneath the surface of the metropolis. The tone remains taut and moody, the cinematography bathing each scene in chiaroscuro, amplifying the sense that every revelation is both a clue and a deeper question.
As the stakes rise, the narrative steers toward the historic enclave of Chinatown—a place where the city’s past collides with its present, and where the unresolved tension promises an unforgettable reckoning. The film’s noir‑laden style, its layered characters, and the ever‑looming specter of water as both lifeline and weapon create an atmosphere of relentless intrigue, inviting viewers to wonder how deep the corruption runs before the final curtain falls.
What Happens in Chinatown?
The complete story of Chinatown, from the first scene to the last, in 576 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
A woman claiming to be Evelyn Mulwray hires private investigator J. J. “Jake” Gittes to follow her husband, Hollis Mulwray (played by Darrell Zwerling), who is the chief engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. As Gittes observes him, he witnesses Mulwray publicly oppose the construction of a new reservoir and captures photographs of him with a young woman, which subsequently make headlines. However, Gittes is soon confronted by the authentic Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway), who threatens him with a lawsuit, revealing that he has been deceived.
Recognizing that Mulwray’s life is in jeopardy, Gittes shifts his focus to uncovering the truth. Tragically, Lieutenant Lou Escobar (Perry Lopez) retrieves Mulwray’s body, which has been discovered submerged in a freshwater reservoir. Now representing the real Mrs. Mulwray, Gittes embarks on a murder investigation that leads him to suspect that something sinister is in play, especially as he notes the ironic fact that vast quantities of water are being released nightly while the farmlands remain parched.
Gittes faces intimidation from the Water Department’s Security Chief, Claude Mulvihill (Roy Jenson), who violently warns him to back off. Later, a call comes from Ida Sessions (Diane Ladd), who unveils herself as the impostor Mrs. Mulwray, advising Gittes to explore the latest obituaries. Through his investigation, Gittes finds out that Mulwray used to partner with Noah Cross (John Huston), Evelyn’s father. Mulwray held the conviction that the water resources of the city should be publicly owned, an ethos that led to a falling out between him and Cross.
During a tense lunch, Cross warns Gittes that he’s treading into dangerous territory and offers to double his fee if he can locate Mulwray’s missing mistress. Gittes’ digging reveals dubious changes in land ownership within the Northwest Valley, only fueling his belief that the proposed dam, which Mulwray opposed, isn’t for Los Angeles but to irrigate the Northwest Valley, indicating a larger conspiracy involving land grabs.
As Gittes pieces the puzzle together, he suspects that strategic droughts are being inflicted upon certain areas to drive down property prices. When Gittes stumbles upon real estate dealings involving a former retirement home resident, he and Evelyn infiltrate the home to uncover the truth. However, they are quickly interrupted by a suspicious director who alerts Mulvihill.
In a mad chase to escape, Gittes and Evelyn take refuge in her home, where their intimacy deepens. However, her abrupt departure the following morning raises red flags. Gittes trails her to a residence, where he discovers her comforting Mulwray’s mistress, who turns out to be her estranged sister. This revelation complicates matters further, and shortly thereafter, Gittes finds Ida murdered; complications arise as Escobar suspects Evelyn.
A dark turn of events leads Gittes to discover crucial evidence at Evelyn’s mansion, where a pair of bifocals could reveal the truth about Mulwray’s demise. In a shocking confession, Evelyn divulges that her sister is, in fact, the product of a horrific rape by her father, Noah Cross. Gittes hatches a plot to help them escape to Mexico while confronting Cross about the web of deceit surrounding Mulwray’s murder.
The explosive climax unfolds when Cross and Mulvihill force Gittes to lead them to the women. As they arrive at the destination, chaos erupts, and in a heartbreaking moment, Evelyn is shot down after she bravely tries to protect her sister from Cross. As this tragic tale closes, one of Gittes’ associates solemnly reminds him, > “Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”
Chinatown Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Evelyn Mulwray hires Gittes” to “Tragic conclusion”. 7 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Evelyn Mulwray hires Gittes
A woman claiming to be Evelyn Mulwray approaches private investigator Jake Gittes, seeking his help to follow her husband, Hollis Mulwray. Gittes is intrigued and agrees to take on her case, unaware that he is being deceived.
- 2
Gittes observes Hollis Mulwray
While tailing Hollis Mulwray, Gittes witnesses him publicly oppose the construction of a new reservoir. Gittes captures photographs of Mulwray with a young woman, which sensationally make headlines shortly after.
Where:Los Angeles
- 3
The real Evelyn confronts Gittes
Gittes is confronted by the authentic Evelyn Mulwray, who threatens him with a lawsuit for deception. She reveals that Gittes had been misled by an impostor, prompting him to realize the gravity of the situation.
- 4
Mulwray's body discovered
Lieutenant Lou Escobar retrieves the drowned body of Hollis Mulwray from a freshwater reservoir. This tragic event compels Gittes to take on the murder investigation on behalf of the real Mrs. Mulwray.
Where:Freshwater reservoir
- 5
Gittes faces intimidation
Gittes encounters hostility from Claude Mulvihill, the Water Department's Security Chief, who warns him to back off from the investigation. This act of intimidation demonstrates the power dynamics at play within the Water Department.
- 6
Ida Sessions' revelation
Ida Sessions, who masqueraded as Mrs. Mulwray, contacts Gittes, urging him to check the latest obituaries. Her tip leads Gittes deeper into the case and reveals more about the tangled relationships surrounding Mulwray.
- 7
Gittes investigates Mulwray's partnership
Through his research, Gittes uncovers the troubled relationship between Hollis Mulwray and Noah Cross, Evelyn's father. He learns that Mulwray believed in public ownership of water resources, which led to a significant fallout with Cross.
- 8
Dangerous lunch with Cross
During a tense lunch, Noah Cross warns Gittes about the dangers of his investigation and offers to double his fee if he can find Mulwray's missing mistress. This meeting sets the stage for escalating tensions and threat.
- 9
Uncovering land ownership schemes
Gittes discovers alarming changes in land ownership within the Northwest Valley, revealing a potential conspiracy involving planned irrigation projects. He begins to suspect that the droughts are being artificially created to lower property values.
Where:Northwest Valley
- 10
Infiltrating the retirement home
Gittes and Evelyn infiltrate a former retirement home to gather more evidence about Mulwray. Their investigation is interrupted when the director recognizes them, triggering a frantic escape.
Where:Retirement home
Show the other 5 events of Chinatown Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Gittes and Evelyn's intimate moment
After evading capture, Gittes and Evelyn find refuge in her home. Their shared experience brings them closer, igniting a romantic connection between the two.
Where:Evelyn's home
- 12
Evelyn's troubling revelation
Gittes trails Evelyn to discover that she is comforting Mulwray's mistress, who turns out to be her estranged sister. This shocking twist complicates the investigation and deepens the underlying family drama.
- 13
Discovery of crucial evidence
Gittes finds a pair of bifocals at Evelyn's mansion that could provide critical insights into Mulwray's death. In a moment of intense vulnerability, Evelyn confesses dark truths about her past involving her father, Noah Cross.
Where:Evelyn's mansion
- 14
Chaos erupts during confrontation
The climax escalates as Gittes is forced to help Cross and Mulvihill locate the women he is trying to protect. Amidst the chaos, a tragic confrontation ensues, leading to further heartbreak.
- 15
Tragic conclusion
In a heart-wrenching moment, Evelyn is shot while attempting to protect her sister from Noah Cross. The film closes on a somber note as Gittes reflects on the events, underscoring the inescapable darkness of the world he navigates.
Where:Chinatown
Who Are the Main Characters in Chinatown?
3 characters, among them J. J. 'Jake' Gittes (Jack Nicholson), Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and Noah Cross (John Huston): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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J. J. 'Jake' Gittes (Jack Nicholson)
Played by Jack Nicholson
Jake Gittes is a determined private investigator navigating a labyrinth of deception and corruption. Intelligent and resourceful, he is driven by a sense of justice, though he often finds himself outmatched by the ruthless forces at play. His bleak journey unveils uncomfortable truths about power dynamics and moral ambiguity.
- 🕵️♂️ Investigator
- 🌃 Cynical
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Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway)
Played by Faye Dunaway
Evelyn Mulwray is a complex character marked by vulnerability and strength, entrenched in a tragic family history. Her emotional depth and the dark secrets she harbors highlight her resilience in a male-dominated world. As the narrative unfolds, Evelyn's motivations and sacrifices deepen, revealing the layers of her troubled past.
- 👩❤️👨 Tragic
- ⚖️ Complex
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Noah Cross (John Huston)
Played by John Huston
Noah Cross epitomizes the moral decay and avarice at the heart of the story. An influential and manipulative figure, he exploits his relationships and status to orchestrate his ambitions. His chilling demeanor and lack of remorse illustrate the ruthless side of power, making him a formidable antagonist.
- 👴 Antagonist
- 💼 Manipulative
Where and When Is Chinatown Set?
Chinatown is set in Los Angeles and Northwest Valley. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The time frame is the 1970s, a period marked by social upheaval and skepticism towards authority. Los Angeles was experiencing rapid development and profound changes, particularly concerning its water supply and urban planning issues.
Where
Los Angeles, Northwest Valley
The movie is set in Los Angeles, a sprawling city known for its entertainment industry and intricate water rights issues. The story also encompasses the Northwest Valley, an agricultural area that becomes central to the land ownership conspiracy. Both locations highlight the tension between urban growth and resource management.
- 🏙️ Los Angeles
- 🌾 Agriculture
What Are the Themes of Chinatown?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception, Corruption and Tragedy.
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01
Deception
Deception permeates the narrative as characters mask their true intentions, leading to a web of lies that complicate the investigation. Jake Gittes, the protagonist, navigates through a landscape filled with manipulations, revealing both personal and systemic betrayals. This theme is crucial to unraveling the mystery surrounding Mulwray's murder.
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02
Corruption
Corruption is a central theme that manifests through the exploitation of water resources and political maneuvering within Los Angeles. The film underscores the erosion of ethical boundaries in pursuit of profit and power, showcasing how greed can manipulate public welfare for private gain. Gittes' inquiries expose a broader conspiracy that reflects systemic injustices.
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03
Tragedy
Tragedy resonates throughout the story as personal relationships intertwine with dark secrets. Evelyn's struggles and ultimate fate highlight the devastating consequences of familial trauma and betrayal. The film culminates in a melancholic conclusion, emphasizing the fragility of hope amidst overwhelming despair.
What Kind of Film Is Chinatown?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A tense and cynical neo-noir that steadily builds an atmosphere of deep-seated corruption and paranoia, culminating in a shocking and tragic conclusion that offers no redemption.
- suspenseful
- cynical
- paranoid
- grim
- tense
- melancholic
- political corruption
- murder investigation
- family secrets
- incest
Content notes: murder, domestic violence, incest.
Quiz
How well do you remember Chinatown? Test yourself on the story.
