A Lady Without Passport

After World War II, Cuban immigrants who are denied visas attempt to illegally enter the United States. They use a human smuggling ring operated by Palinov, a Levantine café owner. The operation involves planning to secretly transport immigrants across the border into the U.S.

American operative Pete Karczag is dispatched to Havana to investigate the smuggling ring. He poses as a Hungarian in need of Palinov's services to gather intelligence on the illegal operation. His undercover mission marks the beginning of his dangerous investigation.

During his investigation, Pete encounters Marianne Lorress, an impoverished Austrian refugee and Buchenwald survivor. She is waiting to be smuggled into the U.S. and is being targeted by Palinov's ring. Pete becomes emotionally involved with her.

Pete devises a plan to use Marianne to uncover the details of Palinov's next smuggling operation. He manipulates the situation to get information about the place and time of the upcoming crossing, risking his cover and her safety.

Over time, Pete falls in love with Marianne and convinces her to remain in Cuba rather than proceed with the smuggling trip. His feelings complicate his undercover mission and influence his decisions about her involvement.

Palinov uncovers Pete's true purpose and exposes his identity to Marianne. Enraged, Marianne decides to go ahead with the smuggling operation despite Pete’s warnings, escalating the tension and danger.

Palinov attempts to escape Cuba by flying to the U.S. with Marianne and other passengers. However, American authorities track the plane, preventing refueling in Florida, leading to the plane crashing in the Florida Everglades in a desperate bid to evade capture.

Palinov forces Marianne to accompany him and his pilot, seeking a hidden boat on a river. During this escape, he kills one of the passengers trying to board their raft, while the remaining passengers flee into the Everglades to avoid capture.

Pete and his superior Westlake pursue Palinov and the fleeing migrants into the Everglades. They are separated when Westlake prioritizes saving the immigrants over capturing Palinov, leaving Pete to continue his chase alone.

Pete finds the hidden boat in the swamp and exchanges it for Marianne, after Palinov attempts to shoot them during his escape. This act demonstrates Pete’s commitment to saving her and stopping Palinov from fleeing.

Palinov tries to shoot Pete and Marianne during their escape, but fails. Pete reassures Marianne that Palinov cannot get far because he has drained the boat's fuel, ensuring they have a chance to prevent Palinov's escape.