"The Glass Wall" referred to in the title is the glass siding of the United Nations building in New York which figures in the climax of the story.
Vittorio Gassman in his first American film, plays a Hungarian refugee Peter Kaban who has stowed away aboard a shipload of legal immigrants escaping from war torn Europe. Kaban treis to explain his circumstances to Immigration officers Inspectors Bailey(Douglas Spencer) and Toomey (Michael Fox - who also narrates). Peter was a prisoner in the camps of Nazi WWII who managed to escape near the end of the war. He aided an American soldier to escape the Germans a fact he hopes will aid his entry into the U. S. The soldier, known only as Tom (Jerry Paris) is a clarinet player living somewhere in New York, Times Square in particular.
Immigration gives him 24 hours to prove his story or he will be deported back to Europe. Peter jumps ship breaking some ribs in the process. He wanders through Times Square in search of his friend Tom. Meanwhile Peter's story winds up in the newspapers and he is branded a fugitive.
In a cheap eatery, Peter saves a down and out girl named Maggie Summers (Gloria Grahame) from the police after she attempt to steal a coat from the diner. They wind up in Maggie's dingy room where she is harassed for back rent by the landlady (Elizabeth Slifer)). Her son Eddie has his eye on Maggie and forces his way into her room. He is confronted by Peter, a struggle ensues and Eddie is knocked out forcing Peter and Maggie to flee once again.
The police catch up to them in a subway station but Peter escapes. In the interim we meet Tom and his girl friend Nancy (Ann Robinson). Tom is an aspiring clarinet player who has just landed a gig with the Shorty Rogers Band featuring legendary trombonist Jack Teagarden. Tom sees Peter's picture in the paper and wants to go to his aid. Nancy pleads with Tom to take the gig which does at first, proving his ability, but leaves to help Peter.
At the Immigration office, Tom and Maggie who has also gone to help Peter, explain Peter's circumstances and offer to help. Inspector Bailey explains that Peter must be found before the refugee ship sails or he will be forever denied entry to the U. S.
Peter back on the street, comes across a sleazy nightclub where "dancer" Tanya (Robin Raymond) takes pity on him and brings him back to her home. Mrs. Zakoyla (Else Back) and Tanya, whose real name is Bella feed Peter and give him a place to rest. When Bella's ignorant brother Freddie (Joe Turkel) threatens to turn Peter in, Peter is forced to flee once again.
Inspector Bailey, Maggie and Tom frantically search for Peter and find him outside the United Nations building where he has gone to plead his case. He goes inside but is unable to find the help he needs. The others pursue Peter, who isun aware who is trying to catch up to him, continues up to the roof where.........................................................................
Gassman, who was a well known actor in his native Italy and married to Shelley Wi nters at the time, makes an impressive debut in his first American film. Grahame as the distraught Maggie and Raymond as the heart of gold dancer also impress. And we get to see and hear a solo by famed trombonist Jack Teagarden in the process.
Vittorio Gassman in his first American film, plays a Hungarian refugee Peter Kaban who has stowed away aboard a shipload of legal immigrants escaping from war torn Europe. Kaban treis to explain his circumstances to Immigration officers Inspectors Bailey(Douglas Spencer) and Toomey (Michael Fox - who also narrates). Peter was a prisoner in the camps of Nazi WWII who managed to escape near the end of the war. He aided an American soldier to escape the Germans a fact he hopes will aid his entry into the U. S. The soldier, known only as Tom (Jerry Paris) is a clarinet player living somewhere in New York, Times Square in particular.
Immigration gives him 24 hours to prove his story or he will be deported back to Europe. Peter jumps ship breaking some ribs in the process. He wanders through Times Square in search of his friend Tom. Meanwhile Peter's story winds up in the newspapers and he is branded a fugitive.
In a cheap eatery, Peter saves a down and out girl named Maggie Summers (Gloria Grahame) from the police after she attempt to steal a coat from the diner. They wind up in Maggie's dingy room where she is harassed for back rent by the landlady (Elizabeth Slifer)). Her son Eddie has his eye on Maggie and forces his way into her room. He is confronted by Peter, a struggle ensues and Eddie is knocked out forcing Peter and Maggie to flee once again.
The police catch up to them in a subway station but Peter escapes. In the interim we meet Tom and his girl friend Nancy (Ann Robinson). Tom is an aspiring clarinet player who has just landed a gig with the Shorty Rogers Band featuring legendary trombonist Jack Teagarden. Tom sees Peter's picture in the paper and wants to go to his aid. Nancy pleads with Tom to take the gig which does at first, proving his ability, but leaves to help Peter.
At the Immigration office, Tom and Maggie who has also gone to help Peter, explain Peter's circumstances and offer to help. Inspector Bailey explains that Peter must be found before the refugee ship sails or he will be forever denied entry to the U. S.
Peter back on the street, comes across a sleazy nightclub where "dancer" Tanya (Robin Raymond) takes pity on him and brings him back to her home. Mrs. Zakoyla (Else Back) and Tanya, whose real name is Bella feed Peter and give him a place to rest. When Bella's ignorant brother Freddie (Joe Turkel) threatens to turn Peter in, Peter is forced to flee once again.
Inspector Bailey, Maggie and Tom frantically search for Peter and find him outside the United Nations building where he has gone to plead his case. He goes inside but is unable to find the help he needs. The others pursue Peter, who isun aware who is trying to catch up to him, continues up to the roof where.........................................................................
Gassman, who was a well known actor in his native Italy and married to Shelley Wi nters at the time, makes an impressive debut in his first American film. Grahame as the distraught Maggie and Raymond as the heart of gold dancer also impress. And we get to see and hear a solo by famed trombonist Jack Teagarden in the process.