Murder at 1600
A secretary is found dead in a White House bathroom during an international crisis, and Detective Harlan Regis is in charge of the investigation. Despite resistance from the Secret Service, Regis partners with agent Nina Chance. As political tensions rise, they learn that the crime could be part of an elaborate cover-up. Framed as traitors, the pair, plus Regis' partner, break into the White House in order to expose the true culprit.
The film disappointed at the box office against its moderate budget of $40.0M, earning $25.8M globally (-35% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its distinctive approach within the action genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Murder at 1600 (1997) reveals strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Dwight H. Little's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 47 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Detective Harlan Regis investigates crimes in Washington D.C., a dedicated homicide cop working the streets with his methodical approach to solving murders.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when A young woman is found murdered in a White House bathroom, creating a crisis that threatens a major international treaty and launching a high-stakes investigation.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Regis discovers evidence suggesting the President's son may be involved in the murder, raising the stakes dramatically. What seemed like a murder investigation becomes a potential constitutional crisis., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Regis is framed and targeted for assassination. His investigation appears destroyed, his credibility ruined, and he's hunted by the very institutions meant to protect justice. The conspiracy seems to have won., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 86 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Regis confronts the conspirators in the White House, survives assassination attempts, exposes Jordan's plot, and brings the true killer to justice, combining his detective skills with insider knowledge., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Murder at 1600's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Murder at 1600 against these established plot points, we can identify how Dwight H. Little utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Murder at 1600 within the action genre.
Dwight H. Little's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Dwight H. Little films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Murder at 1600 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Dwight H. Little filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Dwight H. Little analyses, see Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, Marked for Death and Rapid Fire.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Detective Harlan Regis investigates crimes in Washington D.C., a dedicated homicide cop working the streets with his methodical approach to solving murders.
Theme
A character mentions that in the White House, "nothing is what it seems" - establishing the theme of truth versus appearance, corruption versus justice in the highest places of power.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the world of White House security, the Secret Service protocols, and the discovery of Carla Town's body in a White House bathroom. The complex hierarchy of power and jurisdiction is established.
Disruption
A young woman is found murdered in a White House bathroom, creating a crisis that threatens a major international treaty and launching a high-stakes investigation.
Resistance
Regis debates whether to take the case, clashing with Secret Service Agent Nina Chance who wants to control the investigation. He resists the political pressure and secrecy surrounding the White House.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Regis navigates the labyrinthine White House, interrogating suspects, uncovering clues, and experiencing the "promise of the premise" - a detective thriller inside the most powerful building in America.
Midpoint
Regis discovers evidence suggesting the President's son may be involved in the murder, raising the stakes dramatically. What seemed like a murder investigation becomes a potential constitutional crisis.
Opposition
The conspiracy tightens around Regis. Secret Service agents actively work against him, evidence disappears, and pressure mounts to close the case. His life is threatened as he gets closer to the truth.
Collapse
Regis is framed and targeted for assassination. His investigation appears destroyed, his credibility ruined, and he's hunted by the very institutions meant to protect justice. The conspiracy seems to have won.
Crisis
Regis processes the betrayal and seemingly impossible situation, facing his darkest moment where the conspiracy appears too powerful to overcome.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Regis confronts the conspirators in the White House, survives assassination attempts, exposes Jordan's plot, and brings the true killer to justice, combining his detective skills with insider knowledge.