The Search

In Allied-occupied Germany after World War II, trains transport homeless children to a transit camp where they are fed and protected by UNRRA workers. The children, known as Displaced Persons, begin their process of recovery and eventual reunification with families. Mrs. Murray and other staff start the difficult task of identifying and caring for these children.

Karel, a young boy with a tattoo from Auschwitz, recounts that he grew up in a well-to-do Czech family before being deported by the Nazis. His sister and father were taken away, and he survived in concentration camps and scavenged for food, showing the deep trauma he endured. He responds 'I don't know' to all questions, indicating amnesia or trauma.

The children are loaded into trucks and ambulances to be moved to different camps. Fear dominates as children are terrified of being poisoned or killed in ambulances, but they are forced into vehicles despite their fears. During the trip, panic ensues when the children smell exhaust fumes and attempt to escape.

Karel's friend Raoul, during an attempt to escape by swimming across a river, opens the ambulance door in panic, leading to children scattering in all directions. Raoul drowns in the attempt, while Karel hides in the reeds to survive, underscoring the perilous circumstances faced by the children.

Mrs. Malik, Karel’s mother, survives and begins searching for her son. She reaches a camp expecting to find him but is misled by a Jewish boy who takes Karel's name to avoid retribution. Her ongoing search reflects the desperation of displaced families seeking loved ones.

Mrs. Malik concludes her search at Mrs. Murray's camp but is told her son drowned. Her grief underscores the difficulty of locating missing children among numerous displaced persons. She continues her hope for reunion despite the devastating news.

Steve, a U.S. Army engineer, befriends Karel and starts caring for him. Unable to remember his real name, Steve calls him Jim. He begins teaching Karel English while planning to bring him to America, representing a new hope for the boy's future.

Karel experiences flashes of his past, recalling his mother and the concentration camp. In a moment of confusion, he tries to find his mother by running away, but he only finds a factory fence. Steve finds him and explains that his mother is likely dead.

Steve expresses his desire to adopt Karel and take him to America, offering hope for a new life. He shares his intentions to complete paperwork and provide the boy with a chance at a fresh start abroad. This marks a pivotal point in Karel’s journey toward recovery.

Mrs. Malik resists staying at the camp to keep searching for Karel, ultimately working alongside Mrs. Murray. Her unwavering hope exemplifies the enduring bond of maternal love amid the chaos and loss of war.

Steve takes Karel to the train station intending to send him to America, but Mrs. Murray suspects he is Karel and rushes to find his mother. Unfortunately, the train departs before she can intervene, highlighting the uncertainty of reunions.

With her train leaving, Mrs. Murray sees Karel's mother arriving with new children and changes her mind. She recognizes her and calls out to Karel, leading to their emotional reunion in front of witnesses, symbolizing hope and resilience after tragedy.