Through a series of flashbacks, the reason behind the mysterious inability of a famous conductor (Malcom McDowell) to continue preparing for a series of concerts is revealed. It all began while the conductor, a Jew, was hiding from the Nazis in a disused Italian convent, pretending to be a bank clerk. There he met another fugitive (Charles Aznavour), who was pretending to be a great conductor. Despite the odd circumstances, the real conductor and the fake one become friends, and the reasons for their deceptions become clear.
~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide