A Foreign Affair

In the devastated city of Berlin during 1947, US Congresswoman Phoebe Frost arrives to investigate the morale of American occupation troops. Concerned about rumors of soldiers suffering from ‘moral malaria,’ she steps into a chaotic environment shaped by corruption.

Phoebe brings a birthday cake for Captain John Pringle, hoping to lift the spirits of the troops. However, John trades the chocolate cake on the black market instead of sharing it, demonstrating the dire circumstances and moral compromises faced by soldiers.

Erika von Schlütow, under scrutiny from the Military Police, is interrogated about her past affiliations. Even after serving a sentence in a labor camp, she manipulates her way to employment at a nightclub through John's influence, showcasing her resilience amidst the chaos.

While exploring Berlin, Phoebe witnesses the interactions between American soldiers and local women. This raises questions for her about the nature of these relationships and who is truly holding the power in these exchanges.

At Club Lorelei, a beloved spot for American troops, Phoebe mingles with soldiers while pretending to speak broken English. She meets cabaret singer Erika, who is rumored to be under the protection of an American officer, complicating the dynamics further.

Phoebe learns about Erika's previous appearance in a newsreel alongside Adolf Hitler, igniting her curiosity about Erika's true history. She seeks John's help to access Erika’s file in the army, starting to unveil the threads of deception.

As John begins to charm Phoebe while discussing their moral dilemmas, she initially resists his advances. Despite this, John’s persistence reveals cracks in her emotional armor, leading to a complex interplay of attraction and intrigue.

Erika confronts John over his emotional neglect, fearing the ramifications for her connections with other officers. This confrontation underscores the tension in their relationship, revealing John's conflicting feelings and obligations.

Colonel Plummer observes the unfolding tensions between John and Erika, instructing John to maintain his relationship with her. He believes that Erika could lead them to Hans Otto Birgel, a former Gestapo operative posing a threat.

A police raid at Club Lorelei ensnares both Erika and Phoebe, aiming to arrest Germans without identification. Quick-thinking Erika claims Phoebe is her cousin, securing her release while managing to protect herself from scrutiny.

Erika reveals to Phoebe that their initial encounter was strategic, placing Phoebe in John's debt for protection. This revelation complicates the evolving dynamics among them as trust begins to fray.

Phoebe's heart sinks when she sees John kissing Erika passionately, leaving her feeling humiliated and betrayed. This moment marks a turning point in Phoebe’s perception of John and Erika's relationship.

As Phoebe awaits her flight home, Colonel Plummer delivers news about John's true mission of using Erika to track down Birgel. His revelation highlights the complex interplay of personal and operational motives in their situation.

Birgel makes his move at Club Lorelei, armed and ready to eliminate John. Fortunately, the American soldiers intervene just in time, illustrating the chaotic intersection of their lives in this war-torn backdrop.

As the dust settles from the chaos, Erika is arrested due to her involvement with Birgel's plans. Meanwhile, with Colonel Plummer's assistance, Phoebe and John reconnect, their fates intertwined by the intricate challenges they've faced.