The Comedians in Africa

Mr. Brown returns from New York to Port-au-Prince, hoping to salvage his floundering hotel but finds only a dwindling clientele. He improvises by appealing to his shipmate guests, becoming dependent on Major Jones and the Smiths for some life in the business. The opening sets a tense stage for political danger to permeate everyday life.

Jones travels to sell arms to the government, but his contact falls out of favor and he is arrested, beaten, and jailed by Captain Concasseur. The episode highlights the perils of dealing with a repressive regime. Brown's world grows more precarious as his guests become entangled in state violence.

The Minister of Public Welfare kills himself at Brown's hotel to avoid torture by the Tontons Macoute. His death exposes the regime's brutality and deepens the guests' peril. Brown's hotel becomes a scene of political tragedy as well as personal drama.

Brown begins an affair with Martha Pineda, the wife of a South American ambassador. He tries to smooth the Smiths' access to the government by introducing them to the new minister, who is intrigued by their investment. After the Smiths witness atrocities, they grow disillusioned and decide to leave Haiti. The entanglements complicate Brown's loyalties as the regime tightens its grip.

Jones manages to interest the government in his arms deal and is released from jail. However, once it becomes clear that he cannot deliver, he disappears into hiding. The false promise of power underscores the instability of the regime and the fragility of Brown's guests' safety.

Brown smuggles Jones into the Pinedas' embassy to find refuge, and Jones becomes a lively but disruptive houseguest. Brown's jealousy grows as he suspects a secret affair between Jones and Martha, straining the hotel circle and Brown's grip on his guests. The embassy provides a fragile sanctuary amid mounting political danger.

Captain Concasseur offers Brown money to drive Jones to the airport under safe conduct, threatening the Pinedas' expulsion if he cooperates. Brown refuses, choosing loyalty to those he protects over a dangerous mercenary bargain. The moral choice heightens tensions between the characters and the regime's reach.

Brown knows Henri Philipot, the nephew of the suicide minister, and Dr. Magiot, who aims to overthrow Duvalier. Philipot has assembled a tiny army of would-be revolutionaries, while Magiot wants Major Jones to train them. The network of conspirators gives Brown a sense of impending upheaval.

Martha helps smuggle Jones out of the embassy, but political violence catches up when Magiot is killed by the Tontons. Brown then drives Jones into the mountains to rendezvous with the rebels. The escape marks a turning point as the resistance becomes imminent.

During the journey to the rendezvous, Jones boasts and hints at an affair with Martha, triggering Brown's suspicions. He eventually confesses to lying about Martha and his military service, revealing his true nature and undermining any trust. The revelation raises the stakes for the impending confrontation.

Captain Concasseur arrives and kills Jones; Brown is saved from execution by Henri Philipot. Philipot then persuades Brown to take Jones's place and join the rebellion, turning Brown into a participant in the overthrow. The chain of betrayals and loyalties culminates in his decision to fight.

Because they aided Jones, the Pinedas must leave the country, and Martha flies home with her husband. She carries the bittersweet knowledge of Brown's fate and wonders if he is alive. The film closes with the uncertain future of Brown and the country’s political crisis.