A 16th-century clergyman's view breaks the Catholic Church apart.

Archie Rice, an old-time British vaudeville performer sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business.

Set during the fading glory of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the film tells of the rise and fall of Alfred Redl, an ambitious young officer who proceeds up the ladder to become head of the Secret Police only to become ensnared in political deception.

Tom loves Sophie and Sophie loves Tom. But Tom and Sophie are of differering classes. Can they find a way through the mayhem to be true to love?