An enigmatic young woman has been murdered in a small California coast town. The investigation by the local sheriff uncovers a complex web of relationships centering on the victim; the scattered trail of evidence ranges from a mysterious photograph to the victim's own dog. During the investigation, the sheriff meets and becomes romantically involved with a woman whose connection to the murder is ambiguous.

This was the last movie filmed on the MGM backlot; the property was sold after completion of filming.

Continuity: When he starts chasing Watkins, Abel is driving a 1967 Chevrolet. When he runs Watkins off the road in the field above the ocean at the conclusion of the same chase, Abel is driving a 1966 Chevrolet.