Best Kept Secrets

In the 1984 film Best Kept Secrets, an American mystery thriller directed by Jeffrey Alan Marks, Blaise Dietz, played by the talented Patty Duke Astin, is the wife of a dedicated police officer, Blaise Dietz, portrayed by Frederic Forrest. Blaise's desire to join a respected and specialized investigative unit is met with a harsh reality by the department, as he is turned down for the position due to information that was deemed unfavorable by his superiors. The information, which concerns Blaise's extramarital affair, has been obtained from a departmental surveillance file that was supposed to have been destroyed due to a court order. This blatant disregard for the law and confidentiality has severe consequences for Blaise and his marriage. As his wife struggles to come to terms with this betrayal of trust, she vows to take action against the police department's blatant abuse of power. A key point that sets this narrative in motion is the fact that the information about Blaise's affair was not obtained through any legitimate investigation but rather as a result of a pre-planned setup by the department. It is evident that they were seeking an excuse to deny him the position of a special investigative unit. Blaise Dietz's wife, determined to set the record straight, decides to challenge the department's motives and actions through legal channels. As the story unfolds, the power dynamics within the police force become increasingly complex. Blaise's fellow officers, seemingly supportive at first, eventually turn against him due to his wife's relentless pursuit of the truth. In addition to dealing with the fallout of the affair, Blaise's professional reputation suffers as a result of the department's actions. The once-loyal support system turns cold towards him. Blaise Dietz's wife, however, proves to be an asset in her husband's quest for justice. Her determination and refusal to give up serve as a powerful driving force behind the narrative of Best Kept Secrets. As she delves deeper into the case, Blaise Dietz becomes increasingly isolated from those he once considered friends and colleagues. The tension escalates as Blaise's wife faces numerous obstacles, including the reluctance of the police department to cooperate and provide vital information. Undeterred by the seemingly insurmountable challenges, Blaise Dietz and her wife remain resolute in their pursuit of the truth. They are not going to let their efforts be undermined by a police department determined to silence them. Throughout the film, the themes of loyalty, integrity, and power struggles within institutions are woven into the narrative. As Blaise Dietz battles to regain his professional standing and expose police corruption, his wife stands by him, demonstrating unwavering commitment and determination. This portrayal of partnership highlights the complex dynamics of marriage, love, and loyalty that are put to the test in the pursuit of a difficult goal. The 1984 American mystery thriller ultimately showcases a gripping narrative that explores the darker aspects of human nature within institutions of power. Best Kept Secrets is not merely a movie about corruption and cover-up but also a testament to the power of human resilience and determination in the face of adversity.