1971
Private investigator John Klute searches for missing research engineer Tom Grunemann, whose disappearance is linked to a black book of call girls, including Bree Daniel. Klute interviews Bree, who initially resists, but they eventually form an uneasy alliance as they investigate the mysterious 'Dumper' who murdered other call girls. As Klute and Bree delve deeper, they uncover a connection between Grunemann, the Dumper, and wealthy executive Peter Cable, who becomes increasingly suspicious. The investigation intensifies with the discovery of a body and the murder of another call girl, Arlyn Page, leading Klute to suspect Cable is the killer.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Klute follows a world-weary detective as he investigates the disappearance of Tom Grunemann, partnering with Bree, a call girl who becomes emotionally entangled.
Open full beat sheetJohn Klute is listed as Private Investigator. A rumpled, awkward, and persistent small-town police officer turned private investigator. In the parsed data, John Klute is connected to 31 scenes, 46 dialogue lines, 46 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
31 scenes / 46 dialogue linesBree Daniel is listed as Call Girl / Aspiring Actress. A high-bracket call girl with a complex, guarded personality and acting ambitions. In the parsed data, Bree Daniel is connected to 20 scenes, 46 dialogue lines, 52 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
20 scenes / 46 dialogue linesPeter Cable is listed as Executive. A wealthy, impeccably dressed executive who hides a dark, violent secret. In the parsed data, Peter Cable is connected to 12 scenes, 32 dialogue lines, 32 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
12 scenes / 32 dialogue linesTrask is listed as New York Detective. A cynical, experienced police detective. In the parsed data, Trask is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
7 scenes / 2 dialogue linesFrank Ligourin is listed as Pimp. Bree's former pimp who maintains a calm, gentlemanly facade. In the parsed data, Frank Ligourin is connected to 3 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
3 scenes / 4 dialogue linesMr. Faber is listed as Client. An elderly garment manufacturer who pays Bree for companionship. In the parsed data, Mr. Faber is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 33.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesRoss is listed as FBI Agent. An impatient and bureaucratic FBI agent. In the parsed data, Ross is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
3 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHolly Grunemann is listed as Tom's Wife. Tom Grunemann's bereaved widow. In the parsed data, Holly Grunemann is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 3.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBerger is listed as Arlyn's Companion. A desperate, drug-addicted man living with Arlyn. In the parsed data, Berger is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 12.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesArlyn Page is listed as Prostitute / Addict. A gaunt, heroin-addicted prostitute who knew the 'Dumper'. In the parsed data, Arlyn Page is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesTom Grunemann is listed as Missing Person. A research engineer whose disappearance triggers the investigation. In the parsed data, Tom Grunemann is connected to 1 scene, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesSpangler is listed as Prison Psychiatrist. A pragmatic psychiatrist who treats Bree. In the parsed data, Spangler is connected to 1 scene, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesTom Grunemann carves a turkey at a Thanksgiving dinner, then suddenly vanishes from the table, leaving his family bereaved.
Tom Grunemann, Holly Grunemann, John Klute, Peter CableSpecial Agent Ross interviews Klute about his connection to the missing Tom Grunemann.
Ross, John Klute, Peter CableKlute shows Holly the letter, and she denies her husband was capable of such behavior.
Holly Grunemann, John KluteStreiger and Cable argue with Ross and Trask about the lack of progress in the investigation, announcing they have hired Klute.
Ross, Trask, Peter Cable, John KluteKlute attempts to interview Bree, who is initially defensive and dismissive.
John Klute, Bree DanielBree meets Mr. Faber for a paid encounter, while Klute watches from the shadows.
Bree Daniel, Mr. Faber, John KluteKlute and Bree discuss the Dumper and Tom Grunemann; Klute discovers someone on the roof.
John Klute, Bree DanielKlute searches for the intruder but finds only teenagers.
John KluteKlute returns to Bree; they discuss the investigation.
John Klute, Bree DanielKlute and Bree visit Frank Ligourin to ask about the Dumper.
John Klute, Bree Daniel, Frank LigourinBree visits Klute; they have an intimate encounter.
John Klute, Bree DanielKlute and Bree find Arlyn Page and Berger.
John Klute, Bree Daniel, Arlyn Page, BergerKlute watches Bree's apartment from a rooftop and observes her interacting with Frank Ligourin.
John Klute, Bree Daniel, Frank LigourinKlute and Trask meet with Cable to discuss the investigation and the Dumper.
John Klute, Peter Cable, TraskWide shot of Cable standing at his office window.
Peter CablePolice recover a body from the water near a tugboat.
John Klute, Trask, BergerKlute informs Bree that Arlyn Page is dead, leading to a heated argument.
John Klute, Bree DanielBree visits Klute, and they share a moment of intimacy.
John Klute, Bree DanielBree confronts her psychiatrist about her feelings for Klute.
Bree Daniel, SpanglerKlute inspects Jane McKenna's personal effects.
John KluteKlute and Trask analyze documents to identify the Dumper.
John Klute, TraskKlute calls Cable to report his findings.
John Klute, Peter CableKlute and Bree enjoy a domestic moment.
John Klute, Bree DanielKlute and Bree discover her apartment has been ransacked.
John Klute, Bree DanielPolice investigate the ransacked apartment.
John Klute, Ross, TraskKlute and Bree have a tense encounter.
John Klute, Bree DanielTrask shows Bree the company photo to identify the Dumper.
Bree Daniel, TraskKlute confronts Cable at the heliport.
John Klute, Peter CableKlute and Cable discuss the investigation and the black book while waiting for a helicopter.
John Klute, Peter CableCable experiences a manic sense of triumph as the helicopter ascends.
Peter CableKlute confronts Bree and Frank Ligourin, leading to a violent altercation.
John Klute, Bree Daniel, Frank LigourinKlute treats his wound and receives a call from Trask.
John Klute, TraskBree waits for Spangler but is told to leave; she calls Faber.
Bree DanielBree meets Nathan Faber instead of his father and is confronted by Cable.
Bree Daniel, Peter Cable, Mr. FaberKlute arrives to save Bree; Cable falls to his death.
John Klute, Bree Daniel, Peter CableKlute prepares to leave; Bree joins him.
John Klute, Bree DanielHer black book, Jane McKenna's, her list of -- of persons. I was told you're negotiating for it on behalf of -- That was what Klute told me -- you were negotiating for him to buy that list. And I'm in a position to pay a good deal more for it than he can. Do you understand? I'd like you to acquire it on my -- Miss Daniel, do you not understand? Miss Daniel, I can't tell whether you understand me. Is this something Klute just invented? Is this a trap for me, Miss Daniel; does Klute know about me?
Please, I'm a city person. I'm sure it's just as good as here but I'm a city person, that's all, I am! Hell I know what it's like. I was in Jersey once: the frogs go bra-a p all night! What'im I supposed to do? Mend your socks and sing in the church choir? Do you not believe I love you? I'm honestly, honestly just --
Klute, let's handle it like grownups? I mean we're all grown up now, right? -- we all respect each other, you know what I mean? -- I respect you, Bree respects you -- you could say, it just didn't work out between you and she. But you got to respect her too -- you know, her best interests, best for her --
Yeah? Nothing yet, Trask; I'm going down the list. I've tried Spangler's office and Spangler's home; I just get his message service. I'll keep-- I may have steered Cable that way. I told him Bree was dealing for me, for Jane McKenna's book. Have you found any -- Yeah.
They were bringing a freighter down through Kill Van Kull; propellers washed it up on top.
Then it doesn't matter what I do any more, does it? You people know nothing about pain.
You said he was no possible connection with Tom. The Page girl told you that, not Tom.
Well suppose I hadn't come downstairs. Would you just have folded up and sneaked away?
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