In 1957, Cyprus is fighting a war of independence against the occupying British forces. Juno Kozani (Susan Strasberg), an American archeology student visiting Cyprus, is caught between the two warring sides. Juno witnesses an attack by local guerrillas against British soldiers, and she is questioned by Major McGuire (Sir Dirk Bogarde), the local British Army intelligence officer in charge. Juno's knowledge of the attack places her in danger because Haghios (George Chakiris), one of the local guerrilla fighters, plans to kill her in order to silence her. However, Haghios is attracted to her and resents Juno's romantic interest in Major McGuire.The more Juno's romantic relationship with Major McGuire grows, the more Haghios wants to kill her. Juno's life depends on Major McGuire's vigilance to protect her by all means.