The film centers around the murder investigation of Captain Elisabeth Campbell (played by Leslie Stefanson), the daughter of General Joseph Campbell (played by James Cromwell), a highly respected military figure. Captain Campbell’s body is found on a military base, naked and tied to stakes, raising suspicions of a sexual assault.
The investigation is led by warrant officer Paul Brenner (played by John Travolta) and his partner, Sarah Sunhill (played by Madeleine Stowe), both from the United States Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID). As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of secrets, lies, and corruption within the military.
They discover that Captain Campbell was involved in a secret underground world of sexual perversion and abuse among high-ranking officers. The investigation leads them to suspect several individuals, including Colonel Robert Moore (played by James Woods), Colonel William Kent (played by Timothy Hutton), and Colonel George Fowler (played by Clarence Williams III).
As Brenner and Sunhill dig further, they encounter resistance from military officials who are determined to cover up the truth and protect their own reputations. They also face personal challenges, as Brenner grapples with his own demons from the past and Sunhill wrestles with her feelings for him.
Ultimately, Brenner and Sunhill uncover evidence that implicates General Campbell in his daughter’s murder. It is revealed that Elisabeth was planning to expose the sexual abuse within the military, and her father killed her to prevent the scandal from tarnishing his career.
In the climax of the film, Brenner confronts General Campbell with the evidence and exposes his guilt. The general is arrested, and justice is served for Captain Elisabeth Campbell.
“The General’s Daughter” explores themes of corruption, power, and betrayal within the military establishment. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and suspenseful plot, but criticism for its handling of sensitive subject matter. Despite this, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.