The Hot Spot
Drifter Harry Madox takes a job as a used car salesman in a small Texas town. In the summer heat, he develops an interest in Gloria Harper, who works at the car dealership. Dolly Hershaw, who is married to the dealership's owner, flirts with Harry and they begin a torrid affair.
Harry learns that the bank staff are all volunteer firemen so he sets a fire to lure them away from the bank. While they are gone, Harry robs the bank, but has to enter the burning building to save a man who is trapped inside. The town's sheriff suspects Harry, but Dolly gives him an alibi and tells him she will sell him out unless he kills her husband. When he refuses, Dolly threatens to expose him. She ultimately kills her husband herself by overstimulating his weak heart during sex.
Meanwhile, Gloria is being blackmailed by Frank Sutton, who has nude photographs of her with another woman. Harry, who has fallen in love with Gloria, confronts Sutton to get the pictures, and kills him in the ensuing struggle. Harry invents a story to draw suspicion away from him, framing Sutton for the robbery, and receives a hefty reward from the police. He plans to marry Gloria and take her to the Caribbean Islands.
Dolly ruins Harry's plans by showing him a letter implicating him in the robbery and Sutton's death, and telling Gloria about the affair. A heartbroken Gloria leaves Harry. Enraged, Harry tries to strangle Dolly, but cannot bring himself to kill her. Harry resigns himself to life with Dolly, and leaves town with her.
neo noir