Margin for Error

Set in the early 1940s, the plot centers on Nazi sabotage plots and a German diplomat under Berlin's orders. The action features a radio speech by Hitler and a murder that reveals layers of deceit. The period underscores national security pressures and anti-Nazi sentiment on American soil.

The action unfolds primarily in New York City, with key scenes at the German Consulate and surrounding police locations. The city provides a wartime backdrop where civil liberties are weighed against the need to counter espionage during World War II. The bustling urban setting heightens the tension of a high-stakes investigation and political intrigue.

🧭 Deception

Deception drives the plot as motives are hidden and alibis shift under pressure. Characters trade loyalties and manipulate information to stay ahead. The narrative relies on misdirection, disguises, and the ambiguity of who can be trusted. The film uses the New York setting to heighten mistrust among allies and enemies alike.

⚖️ Duty vs Morality

Moe Finkelstein grapples with his oath to protect the public against his moral objections to the Nazi regime. He weighs obedience to authority against acting on conscience when the truth emerges. The tension tests what it means to pursue justice under political pressure and propaganda. The film frames moral choice as essential to uncovering the truth.

🕯️ Justice Under Pressure

With a ticking clock and a looming sabotage threat, the investigation must converge on the truth before catastrophe. The coroner's findings and the reconstruction of events reveal how small clues—like a mistaken glass—can alter guilt. The story shows how justice can emerge from chaos when evidence aligns with motive and opportunity. The film uses a sharp, procedural tempo to build suspense.