An Italian policeman investigates a series of murders involving people in prominent positions. Left behind at each murder scene is a drawing of a salamander. The policeman begins to suspect these murders are linked to a plot to seize control of the government.

Franco Neroas Carabinieri Colonel Dante Matucci
Anthony Quinnas Bruno Manzini
Martin Balsamas Captain Steffanelli
Claudia Cardinaleas Elena Leporello
Sybil Danningas Lili Anders
Christopher Leeas Prince Baldasar, the Director of Counterintelligence
Cleavon Littleas Major Carl Malinowski, USMC
Paul L. Smithas The Surgeon
John Steineras Captain Roditi
Eli Wallachas General Leporello
Marcello Gatti