Khartoum (1966)

In the wake of a devastating defeat of an Egyptian Army under British command in the parched expanses of the Sudan during the 1880s, the British government is ensnared in a political dilemma. Reluctant to deploy their own forces into the throes of a foreign conflict, yet bound by a duty to safeguard the Egyptians in the desert city of Khartoum, they arrive at a precarious solution. They call upon the audacious General Charles "Chinese" Gordon (Charlton Heston), revered as a folk hero in the Sudan for eradicating the scourge of the slave trade, to orchestrate a strategic evacuation. Famed for his unyielding will and devout Christian faith, Gordon proudly accepts the mantle of Military Governor of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, bestowed upon him by Prime Minister William Gladstone (Sir Ralph Richardson). As the shadows of a Muslim Army loom ominously over Khartoum, Gordon diverges from his original mission, choosing to stand as a bulwark protecting the city's inhabitants. A clash of faiths and military prowess ensues as Gordon is pitted against the formidable Mohammed Ahmed el Mahdi (Sir Laurence Olivier), "The Expected One", the charismatic leader of the Muslim forces. The ensuing struggle not only tests Gordon's faith and resolve but also pressures the British government to reconsider their initial reluctance to commit troops. The film 'Khartoum' (1966) is a riveting exploration of political strategy, personal conviction and the relentless spirit of a man confronted with the vast, unforgiving deserts of Sudan and the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Mahdi.

Khartoum is an adventure movie featuring Charlton Heston and directed by Eliot Elisofon.

Khartoum is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee.

It is also possible to buy Khartoum on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.