Hard-boiled cop-turned-writer Joseph Wambaugh scripted this film version of his best-seller "The Black Marble," which reflects the author's ability to humanize police officers. Alcoholic homicide investigator Valnikov is a transferred from a case involving murdered children to a burglary detail that seems to have been committed by a creepy dog catcher. Valnikov is also given a new partner, Natalie, who does not welcome his company. However, as these emotionally bruised cops delve deeper into the bizarre world of dog shows, animal fanatics, and pet cemeteries, they soon find themselves drawn to one another.