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The film begins in a luxurious Manhattan restaurant where an elegantly dressed woman enjoys a glamorous evening with her companion. The atmosphere is delightful until chaos erupts when a gunman storms in, indiscriminately firing at the patrons.

As the gunman approaches the woman, she pleads for her life, yet her cries fall on deaf ears as he shoots her without a moment’s hesitation. This shocking violence captures the audience's attention, only to be interrupted by the sound of 'CUT!!' revealing the entire scene to be scripted on a film set.

The woman, revealed as Ellen Keith, rises unharmed from the chaos, showcasing Rollie Tyler's mastery as a visual effects artist. His creativity brings life to the intended deception, laying the groundwork for the unexpected turn of events ahead.

In his SoHo workshop, Rollie is approached by a man who initially presents himself as a producer. However, it's uncovered that he is undercover agent Lipton, who pitches an elaborate plan to create the illusion of a mob boss's assassination to protect him from the Mafia.

Despite his initial reluctance, Rollie's competitive nature and ambition drive him to accept the project. The challenge of outdoing his competitors excites him, setting off a chain reaction that pulls him deeper into the web of deception.

The meeting between Lipton and Rollie takes a tense turn when Rollie surprises Lipton by brandishing a gun, asserting his authority. This momentual power play sets the tone for their complex relationship as they navigate the dangerous waters of their plan.

Rollie begins to prepare the mob boss, Nick DeFranco, for the staged murder act. He employs plaster casting techniques to create effects that will ensure a convincing portrayal, illustrating the meticulous planning that goes into their deception.

As the plan unfolds, the staged assassination is executed without a hitch. However, the relief is short-lived, as Lipton reveals a more malevolent agenda that places Rollie in grave danger, setting off a frantic chain of events.

After Lipton's betrayal, a thrilling car chase ensues as Rollie frantically tries to escape. The tension amplifies as Rollie realizes he has stumbled upon a conspiracy that could cost him his life.

Desperate and on the run, Rollie takes refuge in Ellen's apartment, facing an unexpected tragedy. The revelations about the conspiracy begin to unravel, threatening both his life and Ellen's.

Meanwhile, the police investigate DeFranco's murder, complicating matters further. Tensions flare between detectives Leo McCarthy and Mickey as they sift through layers of deception, each suspecting the other of having ulterior motives.

Rollie's quest for the truth leads him on a perilous journey filled with confrontations against those behind the sinister plot. With every step, he inches closer to uncovering the force manipulating events from the shadows.

In a final confrontation, Rollie utilizes his skills and cunning to face Mason and Lipton. This showdown is charged with suspense, leading to an unexpected twist that alters the course of events dramatically.

After narrowly escaping death, Rollie is forced to take on a new identity as he navigates a world fraught with lies and betrayal. The film ends with a reflective note on survival and the lengths one must go to in a treacherous arena.