During World War I, soldier W. Daingerfield Phelps III (William Boyd) and sergeant Peter O'Gaffney (Louis Wolheim) are captured by the Germans. Initially at odds, the two prisoners of war bond and plot an escape. The white robes they use as camouflage in the snow-covered landscape make them look like Arabs. Taking advantage of their disguise, the two men sneak onto a cargo ship bound for Arabia, where they both fall for Mirza (Mary Astor), a soon-to-be-married harem girl.