When the Cold War ends, the British Secret Service decides it no longer has a use for top agent Harry Palmer. There are others, however, who still have a need for a man of Harry Palmer's skills. He is promptly approached by Alex, a Russian businessman. In St. Petersburg, Alex tells Harry of his plan for Russia's future, which is threatened because a deadly bio-chemical weapon called the Red Death has been stolen from him. Alex is prepared to pay Harry handsomely to locate and recover the renegade weapon. An ex-spy friend tips Harry off that the weapon is being sent to Beijing by train, aboard which we begin to learn just whose side everyone is really on... (Cover)