Guy Van Stratten, a convicted American smuggler, leaves an Italian prison term with one asset, a dying man's words about the wealthy, mysterious and elusive Gregory Arkadin. Guy sets out in search of the enigmatic Arkadin and starts to scrutinize him through his lovely daughter Raina. To thwart Van Stratten's investigation, Arkadin claims amnesia about his early life and sends Guy off to investigate his "unknown" past. Guy's quest spans many continents and unearths eccentric characters who contribute information about the shadowy Arkadin. But the real purpose of Guy's assignment proves deadly - can he survive it?

Orson Welles wrote, directed and co-starred in this stylish, serpentine mystery that carries echoes of his masterpiece 'Citizen Kane'.