John McClane, a rookie cop during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration in New York City. This version of Manhattan is a cesspool of disorder and corruption. McClane hones the art of politicking, following orders and rubbing shoulders with the powerful. Dex Carlisle is one of New York's richest and owns one of the most successful companies in the United States, however when a rival company arises and begins to run them out of business, with the help of some dirty cops, he plans to extort money from the companies owner, millionaire Walden Ford, holding individuals hostage on his yacht, under the cover of the fireworks during he 1976 bicentennial celebration over New York Harbor.
