Joe Bernardi was the new guy in Warner Brothers Press Department, so it was no surprise when Joe was given the unenviable task of flying to Tampico, Mexico to bail Humphrey Bogart out of jail without the world learning about it. When he arrived, he discovered that Bogie wasn't the problem. So-called accidents were occurring daily on the set, slowing down the filming of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and putting tempers on edge. Everyone knows who's behind the sabotage, it's the local Jefe who has a finger in every illegal pie. But suddenly the intrigue widens and the murder of one of the actors throws the company into turmoil.

Day by day, Joe finds himself drawn into a dangerous web of deceit, duplicity, and blackmail. A lot of people would like to see these movie-making Yankees go home, including: Benito Santiago, Tampico's chief of police who is out to nail El Jefe no matter what it takes. Hal Croves, the mysterious stranger who may or not be the author of the book on which the movie is based. Jose Herrera, the chauffeur who is obviously much, much more than a car driver. Miguel Iglesia, the icy and arrogant captain of the Federales who has arrived from Mexico City to take charge of the investigation. Phil Drago, the incompetent associate producer, in over his head with no idea what to do about it. Carlos Martinez, the sweaty little head of the Mexican Film Commission, always too anxious to please. Pablo Rivera, the retired police detective, unprincipled and untrustworthy.