Quiet young Orfamay Quest from Kansas has hired private detective Philip Marlowe to find her brother. After two leads turn up with ice picks stuck in them, he discovers blackmail photos concerning TV star Mavis Wald. She rejects Marlowe's help, and this is forcibly underlined by her gangster boyfriend. So, wonders Marlowe, is there a link between Orfamay and Mavis?

The movie's title song, "Little Sister" was originally recorded by New York studio musicians but the producers were not happy with the vocal performance (rumored to be songwriter Norman Gimbel himself). They turned to executives at MGM Records who suggested that members from their newly signed star group, Orpheus, re-record the song. The producers agreed and the Orpheus version was recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York. Only Orpheus lead singer, Bruce Arnold and backup singer, Jack McKenes were on the track since the music had been pre-recorded. However, future Orpheus member and legendary studio musician, Bernard Pretty Purdie, plays drums on the song's backing track.

Thug:
Car.


Philip Marlowe:
Beep, beep.

[Marlowe tries to walk away, but is blocked by the Thug]


Thug:
Car.


Philip Marlowe:
For a guy with a limited vocabulary, you sure do manage to get your point across.

Words by Norman Gimbel
Music by Peter Matz
Sung by Bruce Arnold of Orpheus