The film revolves around the murder of a young woman named Carla Town (played by Harris Yulin) who is found dead in the White House. Detective Harlan Regis (played by Wesley Snipes) of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is assigned to investigate the case, which becomes highly sensitive due to its location.
As Regis delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that Carla was having an affair with President Jack Neil (played by Ronny Cox). The president’s chief of staff, Alvin Jordan (played by Alan Alda), tries to impede Regis’ investigation by invoking national security concerns.
Despite the obstacles, Regis teams up with Secret Service Agent Nina Chance (played by Diane Lane) to uncover the truth behind Carla’s murder. They unravel a complex web of political intrigue, corruption, and cover-ups that lead them to suspect high-ranking officials within the government.
In the climax of the film, Regis confronts the real culprit behind Carla’s murder, who turns out to be Alvin Jordan. Jordan orchestrated Carla’s death to cover up his own involvement in a conspiracy to sell classified documents to foreign agents.
Regis and Chance manage to apprehend Jordan and expose his crimes, restoring integrity to the White House and ensuring that justice is served. The film ends with Regis and Chance reflecting on their victory and the importance of upholding the law, even in the face of powerful adversaries.
“Murder at 1600” is praised for its suspenseful plot, engaging performances, and gripping portrayal of political intrigue. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, offering audiences a glimpse into the shadowy world of Washington politics and the lengths to which some will go to protect their interests.