The screenplay by Nunnally Johnson focuses on a Chicago showgirl who confesses to a murder in hopes the publicity will help her faltering show business career.

However, in order to conform to the Motion Picture Production Code, which regulated moral guidelines for Hollywood films at the time, this adaptation portrays Roxie as innocent but misguided in her attempt to achieve fame.

Back in 1927, a theatre booking agent, Fred Casely, has been murdered, and his body found in Roxie Hart's apartment.

Her husband also gets her the best lawyer money can buy, Billy Flynn, known for making a big show in the courtroom.

Roxie still doesn't trust the legal system completely, and asks Billy to find Finnegan and get him to testify in court on her behalf.

Out of the limelight, Roxie has to choose between marrying the poor reporter Homer or a rich member of the jury, stockbroker O'Malley.

[3] Roxie Hart was originally supposed to star Alice Faye but pregnancy prevented her from taking on the role.