Errol Morris's documentary re-enacts the crime scene and investigation of a police officer's murder in Dallas, Texas, where a drifter and a 16-year-old runaway had conflicting stories about their actions that night. The film presents circumstantial evidence and highlights the pressure on the police to solve the case, ultimately suggesting that the DA's and judge's desire for the death penalty led to an innocent man being wrongly convicted.

The Thin Blue Line
In a flawed and corrupt Dallas County justice system, an innocent man is falsely accused of murder, leading to a thrilling battle for his freedom and redemption.