Germany, 1st May 1945. A mansion in the countryside, caught between the Soviet and British troops advancing from different directions. Inside, housekeeper Dorothea is preparing dinner while owners Helga and Hubertus von Gellert are preparing suicide to avoid capture and ruin. They are interrupted by American Intelligence officer Rutherford and British sergeant Lander.
Rutherford questions Hubertus about his medical research, and Dorothea is terrified to find out that Soviets will be taking over the area after midnight. When Lander discovers disturbing information about experiments on humans in Hubertus’ notes, his superior becomes very interested in it. To Lander’s dismay, Rutherford sees the value of Hubertus’ research for the American military and considers offering him safe passage to the American side. Hubertus’ and Helga’s reactions reflect their different ideas about what makes life worth living. A Soviet patrol shows up much earlier than expected, forcing major decisions.