Streetwise and tough, and with a fondness for parakeets, tropical fish, candy bars and women - not necessarily in that order - Mike Hammer, private detective, pursues his own highly individual code of ethics and justice. When his best friend, a one armed ex-army buddy, is brutally murdered, Hammer determines to avenge the killing - much to the consternation of his loyal secretary Velda and Police Captain Pat Chambers, both of whom fear for his safety. How pursuing a dangerous blood - spattered path whose many signposts point to such activities as brainwashing, mind - bending drugs, sex orgies and political assassination - gumshoe Hammer nails the killer, provides the violent content of this exciting new screen version of Mickey Spillanes's celebrated novel.