Dr Robert Campbell (Connery) has discovered the cure for cancer – but has lost it. Step in Dr Rae Crane (Bracco), sent over as a research assistant to help Dr Campbell find the cure. However, as Dr Crane is a woman, Dr Campbell rejects her assistance. Racing against the clock, Dr Crane must convince Dr Campbell to work together, find out more about the natives, learn why Dr Campbell prefers to work in solitude, and then to rediscover the cure for cancer. All this whilst the clock is running - developers want to bulldoze the area and make way for a new high-speed roadway.