Notorious begins in Miami, Florida at 3:20 p.m. on April 24, 1946. Reporters with cameras are gathered in front of the U.S. District Court in Florida. Inside, a man threatens a judge, saying that even if he is put away, the judge and the country will still get what's coming to them. The man, John Huberman, is sentenced to life in prison. Huberman's daughter, Alicia Huberman, leaves the courtroom and is followed by a policeman.

At her home, Alicia throws a party with friends. When most of the attendees have left, Alicia and T.R. Devlin become acquainted. Leaving a couple of guests who have passed out, they go for a drive. Alicia is intoxicated but drives anyway. When a policeman pulls them over, Alicia complains that she will have to go to jail because this is her second drunk driving offense.

After the policeman...