Naked Alibi 1954

Interrogation and political pressure

In a California city, Lt. Fred Parks questions baker Albert Willis about a series of violent robberies. Willis angrily assaults Parks, prompting Chief Joe E. Conroy to intervene. Political pressure from city councilman Edgar Goodwin forces Willis's release despite concerns about brutality.

Parks’s murder; Conroy takes over

That same night, Lt. Parks is murdered and Chief Conroy assumes lead on the case. The department braces for political fallout as links between Willis and the crime begin to sharpen. The investigation intensifies under the new leadership.

Lack of proof but pursued

The case rests on circumstantial evidence, notably matching bullets, with no definitive proof tying Willis to the murder. Willis flees during a later arrest attempt and sustains a head injury, fueling public outrage and scrutiny of Police brutality. Conroy orders continued surveillance on Willis despite the lack of hard proof.

Willis hides in a church; officers killed

Willis evades his tail by slipping into a church, and hours later two officers are killed in the ensuing pursuit. The manhunt escalates as public anger grows, pressuring the police to move more aggressively against Willis. Conroy intensifies surveillance while the case drags on.

Confrontation and firing

Joe confronts Willis in a tense clash and a reporter witnesses the scuffle. As a result, Joe is fired for brutality and labeled mentally unstable, forcing him to pursue the truth on his own terms. The dismissal becomes a personal catalyst to clear his name.

Matt Matthews joins the effort

Determined to clear his name, Joe enlists his friend, private detective Matt Matthews, to help track Willis and gather credible evidence. The partnership expands the investigation beyond ordinary police channels. They begin coordinating efforts to corner Willis.

Willis flees to Border City with Joe in pursuit

Willis escapes to Border City, Mexico, with Joe in pursuit, heightening the international scope of the chase. Willis visits his girlfriend Marianna, a nightclub singer who tolerates his abuse, while Joe circulates Willis’s photo in town to widen the search.

Ambush and rescue in Border City

While pursuing Willis, Joe is ambushed by local criminals, stabbed and robbed. He is discovered by a boy named Petey and his uncle Charlie, who nurse him back to health and become crucial allies in the hunt. The peril deepens the stakes for all involved.

Marianna photographs Willis; tense party confrontation

Marianna secretly takes a photo of Willis labeled 'Killer or family man?' from Joe’s belongings. Confronting Willis at a party later, she witnesses his violent temper, further proving his dangerous nature and the need to expose him.

Telegram reveals hijacking link; nightclub ambush

Willis's connection to a hijacking ring is corroborated by a telegram Joe uncovers. As they attempt to deliver the evidence to police, Willis and his henchmen ambush them at a nightclub, triggering a dangerous confrontation.

Murder weapon in the church; escape and pursuit

Joe deduces the murder weapon is hidden in the California church Willis previously visited. A barroom brawl orchestrated by Willis's men allows Joe and Marianna to escape, and they race toward California to retrieve the gun and end the threat.