The Inspector

Thorens manipulates Lisa Held, promising to smuggle her to Palestine for payment. In truth, his intention is to push her toward South America for sex work. The deceit marks the beginning of a dangerous chain of loyalties and betrayals.

Dutch police Inspectors Peter Jongman and Sergeant Wolters follow Thorens and Lisa across Holland. Jongman carries guilt over failing to save his Jewish fiancée Rachel during the occupation. The pursuit sets up a complicated moral dynamic between hunter and pursued.

In London, Jongman confronts Thorens and strikes him, causing Thorens to fall onto the imitation SS dagger he is holding and die. The death appears accidental, and Jongman fears Lisa's possible involvement but hopes she remains unaware of what happened. He leaves, unaware that Thorens is dying.

Lisa escapes Thorens's flat via a window and flees to the river. She asks Jongman if he killed Thorens, and he denies it. Believing she has few options, she seems ready to jump into the river, prompting Jongman to intervene.

Back in Amsterdam, Jongman takes Lisa to visit his mother and sister. His mother initially suspects Lisa is using him, but Lisa reveals she was in the experimental ward at Auschwitz. The revelation deepens the emotional stakes for both.

Jongman is questioned at Dutch police headquarters about Thorens's death. He says he struck Thorens but did not kill him, privately suspecting Lisa's possible involvement. The confrontation forces him to confront truth, justice, and loyalty.

To atone for his failures, Jongman takes time off to help Lisa reach Palestine. He uses his contacts to land a job on Captain Brandt's barge, starting a dangerous voyage across war-torn routes. The plan marks a turning point in their relationship and fate.

During the journey, Lisa and Jongman grow closer and fall in love, while Captain Brandt remains crusty but well-meaning. Their developing relationship offers a fragile beacon of hope amid uncertainty. They begin to envision a possible future together.

Arriving in Tangiers, they contact Dutch smuggler Klaus Van der Pink who would arrange passage to Palestine. His price proves prohibitively steep and threatens to derail the plan. The couple confronts a hard choice about risking everything for freedom.

Jongman confesses his love, but Lisa rejects him, fearing she cannot be a wife or mother after Auschwitz experiments. The moment tests their bond and underscores the pressure to secure a safe future. The journey's emotional cost is as significant as the distance they must cross.

British agent Roger Dickens informs Jongman he is wanted on suspicion of manslaughter for Thorens's death. The warning intensifies the risk and complicates their plans to reach Palestine. Jongman faces a choice between honor, safety, and protecting Lisa.

American Browne suggests Lisa testify at the Nuremberg Trials after learning of her Auschwitz experiences. Lisa initially agrees, but Jongman advocates instead for Palestine to avoid further exploitation. The debate highlights competing pressures of justice and freedom.

Jongman arranges passage on Van der Pink's vessel in exchange for captaining a ship for a year, but Pink deceives him by continuing to carry weapons under the cover of the arrangement. A letter reveals that Van der Pink has torn up the contract, leaving Jongman bound to a broken pledge. The plan’s fragility becomes painfully clear.

As the ship nears Palestine, gunrunners attack to seize the cargo, and a stray bullet wounds Lisa. Jongman reluctantly delivers Lisa to Jewish forces to fulfill his promise, then surrenders himself to the British to stand trial for Thorens's death. The voyage ends with uncertain consequences for both.