During World War II, two African American musicians, Harlan and Lizard, are captured by the Nazis in Paris and imprisoned at Buchenwald concentration camp which changes the course of Harlan's life.--

When Harlan and his best friend, trumpeter Lizard Robbins, are invited to perform at a popular cabaret in the Parisian enclave of Montmartre, Harlan jumps at the opportunity. But after the City of Light falls under Nazi occupation, Harlan and Lizard are thrown into Buchenwald-- the notorious concentration camp in Weimar, Germany. Harlan survives five horrific years, and returns home struggling to overcome the chaos he has experienced.