Stranded in the middle of nowhere, Paul hops a freight and becomes companion of the enigmatic Brett (Robert Drivas) on a trek full of symbolism.

When April Martin (Carol Lynley) vanishes shortly after Paul meets her in New Orleans, he goes on a complex search that leads him to a surprising solution to the mystery of her disappearance and a threat to her life.

Tortured and falsely imprisoned for espionage by the KGB, Paul's escape is aided by cellmate Gyula Bogner (Roddy McDowall) whose fixation on revenge for his father's death causes Paul to turn himself in again to spare innocent lives.