Khartoum

Historical biopic chronicling the final years of British General Charles Gordon (Charlton Heston) during the Siege of Khartoum. In 1883 Gordon is sent to Sudan in order to ensure the evacuation of a number of soldiers and civilians. When he arrives in Khartoum, Gordon defies his orders and instead begins preparing the city's defences against the Mahdist forces led by the charismatic and bloodthirsty Muhammad Ahmad (Laurence Olivier). After a brief correspondence the two men gain mutual respect but as the conflict intensifies this does little to lessen the fighting and the perilous position of Gordon, his garrison and the besieged citizens of Khartoum.