English General Charles George Gordon is appointed military governor of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan by the Prime Minister. Ordered to evacuate Egyptians from the Sudan, Gordon stays on to protect the people of Khartoum, who are under threat of being conquered by a Muslim army.

Charlton Hestonas Gen. Charles 'Chinese' Gordon
Laurence Olivieras Mahdi
Richard Johnsonas Colonel Stewart
Ralph Richardsonas William Gladstone
Alexander Knoxas Sir Evelyn Baring
Johnny Sekkaas Khaleel
Michael Hordernas Lord Granville
Zia Mohyeddinas Zobeir Pasha
Marne Maitlandas Sheikh Osman
Nigel Greenas General Wolseley