Roddy McDowall stars as Erik, an idealistic young student in an unnamed Iron Curtain country. After a student demonstration erupts into a riot and members of the military are assaulted, Erik is identified as the instigator. Forced to flee with just the clothes on his back, he makes contact with the underground, thanks to his uncle's contacts, then begins a circuitous trek to freedom, aided by rebels of all types along the way. Aiding Erik on the final leg of his journey is Marlina (Kristine Miller), "the mountain goat," a beautiful climber whose status is complicated by her affair with a local Red Army captain (Rand Brooks). While the Red Army closes in on Erik and Marlina, Marlina's brother Franz (Harry Lauter) joins the pursuers in a desperate gambit to lead them away from their prey. - A student goes on the run from the Communist authorities.