In the decades preceding World War II, American diplomat Alex Hazen witnesses the rise of Mussolini and Hitler but does not use any of his ambassadorial powers to intervene. Instead, Hazen subscribes to the dominant policy of appeasement, believing the belligerent dictators will eventually soften. Although married, he is in love with journalist Cassie Bowwman – but her feelings about the threat posed by fascism differs severely from his.

Genres

Cast

Robert Young

Alex Hazen

Sylvia Sidney

Cassie Bowman

Ann Richards

Emily Taney Hazen

Dudley Digges

Moses Taney

Douglas Dick

Sam Hazen

Albert Bassermann

Count von Stammer

Ian Wolfe

Sears

Marietta Canty

Sophronia

Norma Varden

Mrs. Hayworth

Charles D. Brown

Carter

Don Castle

David

Mickey Kuhn

Sam (as a child)