In Algiers, Algeria, notorious thief Pepe le Moko (Charles Boyer) evades police capture by hiding within the maze-like Casbah district. Pepe's renown makes him a popular target not only with policeman Javier but also sympathetic Inspector Slimane (Joseph Calleia) and jealous thief Regis. Through Slimane, Pepe meets the beautiful American Gaby (Hedy Lamarr) and becomes obsessed with her. Regis' plan to lure Pepe out into the open falls apart, until Pepe learns that he may never see Gaby again.