 Guy Van Stratten, American smuggler, leaves an Italian prison term with one asset, a dying man s words about wealthy, mysterious Gregory Arkadin. Guy finds it most pleasant to investigate Arkadin though his lovely daughter Raina, her father s idol. To get rid of Guy, Arkadin claims amnesia about his own life prior to 1927, sending Guy off to investigate Arkadin s unknown past. Guy s quest spans many countries and eccentric characters who contribute clues. But the real purpose of Guy s mission proves deadly; can Guy himself survive it?