Ghosts of the Heartland plot
The United States, 1952. Roland Lu, a journalist from New York City, returns to his hometown of Millville, expecting to cover an important and topical story there. Roland finds a city gripped by fear. He unravels a plot to persecute residents of the city of foreign descent. Although these mostly Chinese residents fear for their lives, they are wary of Roland's critical reports. His recent report sparks unrest, in which 'a Chinese foreigner' is mysteriously killed during a chase. Things get even worse for Roland when his childhood nemesis Frank Dugan becomes mayor of Milville. Dugan, a fervent supporter of the communist fighter McCarthy, sees Roland, the smooth-talker of Chinese descent, under the turf as soon as possible. Still, Roland decides to stay, despite knowing that his life and that of his girlfriend Liz are in danger.