BLACK MASK
New York, 1951. Six years have gone by since the end of the eventful and traumatizing World War II and cynical vet Jimmy McNamara left the exciting world of crime literature to be an accountant -- There's nothing emotional about the numbers'. Jimmy spends his days smoking and drinking bourbon with the money he makes off the numbers.
One late night, in the office, while looking for soft shoulders to warm him in a cold, rainy night, Jimmy gets a surprising call. On the other side of the line is Vivian Lee, Jimmy's ex-fiance who he hasn't heard of since the end of the Great War. Vivian urges him to meet her at the Black Mask, a crummy nightclub where she works as a singer.
Intrigued Jimmy goes to the joint. Upon arrival, he's greeted by Louie, the greasy, handicapped club owner and an old acquaintance of Jimmy's. A sensual performance by Vivian follows and then she takes the accountant to her dressing room.
Let bygones be bygones is Vivian's motto but not Jimmy's who diverts from conversations about the past. But the singer has great news. She just came from Hollywood where she signed a contract with MGM and she's taking Jimmy to write for her. He'll write, she'll act. They'll be the team they never were.
All Jimmy has to do is to retrieve some compromising pictures held in possession of the mighty newspaper columnist Sidney Montgomery that, if published, can blow their chances. Jimmy decides to take a bullet for both but he'll soon find out that nothing is what it seems.