In October, 1943, in German-occupied Denmark, the Nazis decide to deport all Danish Jews to extermination camps.

Lillian Stein, a Jewish ballet teacher, learns of the Nazi plan; but her father, a violin dealer, refuses to leave.

The Resistance plans to spirit the Jews out of the country by hiring fishing boats to take them to neutral Sweden.

When Dr. Kjær comes to pick up the family, Mrs. Stein refuses to leave without her husband but sends Lillian ahead.

The next day, as the couple are leaving Petersen’s apartment, Lars, Stein's assistant, gives his life to prevent their capture.