Candlelight in Algeria 1944

1943: Allied mission in Vichy-controlled Algiers

In 1943, Algiers is under Vichy control and serves as the hub for a secret Allied plan. General Mark Clark's mission is vital to enabling a conference among British, American, and French leaders. The conference is designed to pave the way for Allied landings with minimal casualties.

Thurston is assigned to recover a camera

British agent Alan Thurston is sent to Algiers to recover a camera containing photos that reveal where the conference will take place. He does not know the exact content of the meeting and must avoid drawing German attention. The mission is urgent and tightly tied to the upcoming operation.

Thurston arrested and held by Germans

Thurston is captured by Vichy French authorities and held by the Germans in a fort. He escapes, starting a perilous flight toward safety and the mission's objective. His escape triggers the need for local allies to intervene.

Refuge with Susan in Biskra

Thurston seeks refuge in Susan Foster's house in Biskra. Susan initially takes him for a burglar and holds him at gunpoint until he explains his patriotic purpose. The encounter marks the beginning of a dangerous but pivotal partnership.

Hiding Thurston in a secret cellar

With German agents searching the property, Susan hides Thurston in a secret cellar to keep him safe. They navigate the risk of discovery while weighing the consequences of becoming involved in politics. The danger heightens as the search intensifies.

Müller detects intruder and warns Susan

Dr. Müller pieces together clues—like condensation on a glass of milk and a lipstick-free cigarette—that reveal Thurston's presence. He warns Susan to stay out of politics and not to harbor the intruder. The warning raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Thurston asks Susan to retrieve the camera

Thurston convinces a reluctant Susan that the camera's contents are more vital than her own plans, and he asks for her help to retrieve it. He stresses the camera's role in locating the meeting and guiding the operation. Susan agrees to take on the dangerous assignment.

Susan steals the camera from Maritza's bedroom

In Algiers, Susan infiltrates Maritza's home and steals the camera from the nightclub singer's bedroom. The theft heightens the tension as Müller's men tighten the net around the fugitives. The camera becomes the linchpin of the mission.

Müller detains Susan; Thurston rescues her

Susan intends to deliver the camera to the American consulate, but Müller detains her and questions her loyalties. Thurston arrives on the scene and rescues her, reaffirming their joint determination to complete the mission. The rescue shifts the balance back in their favor.

Kasbah hideout and Yvette's confession

The fugitives take shelter in a kasbah with Yvette, who admits that she lied about Thurston's dishonesty out of jealousy. Her confession clears Thurston's name in Susan's eyes. The trio refocuses on developing the plan to expose the camera's contents.

Developing film reveals the meeting place

Back at the kasbah, Thurston develops the photographs and identifies the exact location of the secret meeting. The image confirms the critical coordinates needed for the Allied conference. The discovery intensifies the urgency to act.

Schultz confronts Thurston; camera is emptied

Schultz, Müller's ally, storms the scene and demands the camera. Thurston hands over the device, but the film has already been removed. The loss of the film raises the stakes and pushes the fugitives toward a rapid escape.

Final confrontation and escape

Schultz is overpowered as Susan dives in to aid Thurston, and Yvette shoots Schultz to clear the way. The two fugitives grab Müller's car and race to warn the Allied officers, putting a premium on speed. The chase ends with them escaping pursuit for the time being.

Decoy escape and cliff crash

They steal Müller's car and dash toward the landing zone, using the vehicle as a decoy to draw German attention away. Thurston drops Susan off and deliberately crashes the car over a cliff to mislead their pursuers. The ruse buys crucial time for the Allied landings.