A reporter assigned to North Africa finds a dead body in his hotel. Weary of his own life, he decides to take the dead man's passport and assume his identity. He learns that the deceased was a gunrunner being targeted for assassination, and strikes up a relationship with an enigmatic woman. Drama, starring Jack Nicholson, Maria Schneider, Ian Hendry and Steven Berkoff.

David Locke is a world-weary American journalist who has been sent to cover a conflict in northern Africa, but he makes little progress with the story. When he discovers the body of a stranger who looks similar to him, Locke assumes the dead man's identity. However, he soon finds out that the man was an arms dealer, leading Locke into dangerous situations. Aided by a beautiful woman, Locke attempts to avoid both the police and criminals out to get him.