In 1883, William Gladstone (Ralph Richardson), Britain's prime minister, enlists reputable Gen. Gordon (Charlton Heston) to smooth over the situation in Sudan after a brutal battle has left several British men dead. Gordon, known to defy orders, is received well in the city of Khartoum -- so instead of acting as an ambassador, he motivates the city to prepare its defenses. Despite massive efforts to divert enemy attack, Gordon's new, small army is no match for what befalls it.