An assassination is about to take place on the most powerful man in the Western World. The Assassin is Roy Tucker (Gene Hackman), in prison for killing the sadistic husband of Ellie Riggens (Candice Bergen), the woman he loves. Tucker is promised freedom by Tagge (Richard Widmark) in exchange for an undetermined favour. Tucker agrees and flies to Central America where he pursues his dreams and marries Ellie. Then Tucker is told to repay his favour by assassinating the powerful national figure. When he refuses, Tagge takes Ellie captive and threatens to kill her unless Tucker carries out the assignment.. Now Tucker has to fight and the result is explosive.