One involves wanted fugitive Joe Walpo, who has killed a gas-station attendant.

Another concerns a department store fashion buyer, Kate Martell, who is being extorted by a man threatening to kill her daughter.

While interviewing a woman of concern Stewart was shot dead by a hidden assailant.

They follow Kate to the "Hollywood" sign in the hills above Los Angeles, where she has been told to bring the money.

There the extortionist is revealed to be a man named Milson who had shown a romantic interest in Kate, leading to a confrontation with Ripley.