Returning from a European tour, Newark caterer Walter Hollander, wife Marion, and daughter Susan, are passengers on a hijacked plane which lands in Communist Vulgaria. When the family photographs the Vulgarian airport, Krojack, the head of the Vulgarian secret police, suspects espionage and attempts to arrest them. The tourists, however, are granted asylum in the American embassy, temporarily supervised by Axel Magee, son of the ambassador. There the Hollanders meet mad Father Drobney, who for 6 years has enjoyed sanctuary within the consulate's confines. Although the United States attempts to rescue the family by repatriating Vulgarian agent Grey Fox, he commits suicide before an exchange can be negotiated. When middle-aged student agitators picket and bomb the embassy, Hollander, Marion, and Susan don the robes of a visiting sultan and his harem and rush to a rescue point. They are met by a senile American pilot who has spent 6 years awaiting the prelate's escape. Discovering room for only two on board the craft, Susan happily bids her parents farewell, and secures diplomatic immunity by marrying Magee.