American Harry Smith (Humphrey Bogart) is selling guns to Emir Hassan (Onslow Stevens), whose Syrian rebels are battling occupying French troops. Hoping to stem the fighting, French Col. Feroud (Lee J. Cobb) asks Harry to introduce him to Hassan. Meanwhile, Feroud's girlfriend, Violette (Märta Torén), is increasingly drawn to Harry. While she wants Harry to ferry her out of the dangerous country, he boldly tries to make a profit from his dealings with both Hassan and Feroud.