A Foreign Affair

In the aftermath of World War II, Berlin was engulfed in rampant corruption and moral decay. The city struggled to cope with the consequences of the war, and the occupation by American troops exacerbated the situation.

Congresswoman Phoebe Frost arrives in Berlin as part of a congressional committee tasked with examining the morale of American occupation troops. Phoebe brings a personal touch to her visit, carrying a birthday cake for Captain John Pringle, who is connected to one of her constituents.

Instead of sharing the birthday cake with his fellow soldiers, Captain John Pringle opts to trade it on the black market for a mattress for his paramour, Erika von Schlütow. This transaction leads Phoebe to become curious about Erika's past and current situation.

While navigating the streets of Berlin, Phoebe observes the rampant fraternization between American soldiers and local women. Her guide explains that such interactions are vital for gaining the loyalty of the German populace, leaving Phoebe conflicted about the ethical implications.

Phoebe is mistakenly identified as a local girl by two American soldiers, leading her to the lively atmosphere of Club Lorelei, a popular venue for troops. This club serves as a vibrant backdrop for the unfolding drama of post-war relationships.

Inside Club Lorelei, Phoebe meets Erika von Schlütow, a cabaret singer with a scandalous reputation and rumored ties to high-ranking Nazi officials. Phoebe’s curiosity about Erika intensifies as she learns about her connections and her relationship with Captain Pringle.

In her quest to uncover Erika's secrets, Phoebe discovers a wartime newsreel featuring Adolf Hitler alongside Erika. She urges John to access Erika's military file, hoping to piece together her complicated past.

As Phoebe and John engage in deeper conversations, they explore the intersection of political ethics and personal desires. Phoebe reflects on her own experiences and manipulations in politics, while John's frustrations about Erika’s past grow.

Colonel Plummer learns of John’s affair with Erika and instructs him to maintain the ruse in order to lure Hans Otto Birgel, a rogue ex-Gestapo agent. The danger escalates as a letter reveals Birgel's lethal intentions toward Erika’s new beau.

Both Erika and Phoebe face arrest during a police crackdown on individuals lacking proper identification. Erika cleverly claims Phoebe is her cousin to secure her freedom, showcasing her resourcefulness and the precarious nature of their situation.

When John arrives, Phoebe witnesses an intimate moment between him and Erika, which leaves her feeling heartbroken. Phoebe contemplates the tangled web of relationships and moral dilemmas in this post-war city.

As they prepare to leave Berlin, Phoebe confides in Colonel Plummer about her moral struggles and her decision not to file her report. The Colonel shares insights about John's true intentions regarding Erika, amplifying her internal conflict.

Just as Birgel attempts to eliminate John at Club Lorelei, American forces intervene, apprehending the would-be assassin. This event cements the stakes of the entangled relationships and the dangers faced by those involved.

Following the assassination attempt, the fallout results in Erika's arrest due to her connections to Birgel. The precarious nature of their relationships becomes increasingly evident as Phoebe and John navigate this chaotic reality.

With Colonel Plummer's help, Phoebe and John are reunited as they grapple with the complexities of love, betrayal, and survival in post-war Germany. Their journey reflects the multifaceted nature of human relationships amid the backdrop of a fractured city.