DRAMA. Mesopotamia. Captain Richard Galt is appointed as political officer to El Ragi and becomes popular with the natives. He falls in love with a native girl which is used by his political opponents to stir up rebellion. The rebellion is quashed when it is revealed that the native girl is the daughter of a lost British explorer.

No main title. Beginning missing (?). Captain Richard Galt rides into the town of El Ragi. He is met by Agha Hamed the Sheik of El Ragi and Ali the Sheik's trusted lieutenant. Although the Sheik appears friendly, Galt distrusts him. Galt reports to the military governor, Major Gordon Falconer, while he breakfasts with his family. The major complains that he requested infantry not a political officer. The major invites Galt to attend the Military Governor's Court. Old Musa, the blind Koran teacher, and his daughter, Uyuni, attend the court. Musa complains that a sacred bird which nested on his roof and brought him prosperity has been shot by a British soldier. The major offers 100 rupees in compensation. Musa scorns the offer complaining that this is not English justice. Galt intervenes and calls in the soldier. The soldier, with scratches on his face, relates the incident (which is seen in flashback). While drunk, the soldier and a friend go hunting and shoot the bird, Uyuni physically attacks the soldier much to the amusement of his friend. Galt suggests that the soldier bury the bird in the shadow of the mosque and keep a guard over it for 24 hours. Musa is greatly pleased and thanks Galt (536). [Gaps in film from this point]. Ali fans the flames of rebellion and persuades the Sheik to revolt against the British (620). The next day in the market Galt and the major's daughter speak to Musa and his daughter. Musa realises that his daughter is in love with Galt (706). [Missing section. The Sheik gives orders that Uyuni is to be kidnapped and that Musa must preach a holy war against the British. Musa refuses and Galt thwarts the kidnap attempt. The Sheik and his retinue leave the town intending to return to sack it. The Sheik sends the head of a Gurkha as a hunting trophy to Galt. Uyuni is kidnapped and taken to the Sheik's harem]. Galt and his Gurkha aid, come across Musa wandering in the desert looking for his daughter (804). Near the millet fields at the Sheik's camp: with the aid of the Sheik's favourite wife, Uyuni escapes (833). Butras, the Gurkha aid, reports that they cannot find Uyuni. Uyuni reaches the town and takes refuge with Galt saying that he is the only one who can protect her from the Sheik. The following day, Galt and the major come across a diary for sale in the market. The diary belonged to Charles Thurston, an explorer, who went missing many years before. Some of the Arabs voice their concerns that a moslem woman is living in the house of an unbeliever. Galt reads the diary and the concerns of Thurston for his wife after the Sheik has called on them (960). Galt and Uyuni realise their love for each other. In the shadow of the Mosque, the Sheik preaches rebellion using Uyuni's presence in Galt's house as an excuse. While in the market with her father, Uyuni is attacked and stoned by the crowd. Galt rushes to her rescue and takes her to his home. However, the population, stirred by the Sheik, are in open revolt. With the Sheik's men, they attack Galt's residence. The Sheik demands the return of Uyuni to his harem. However, Musa pushes his way through the crowd and announces that Uynui is not a true moslem. She is in fact the daughter of the British explorer, Thurston and was cast away by the Sheik as a baby. Musa adopted her and brought her up. Reinforcements arrive and the street fighting continues. [The Sheik kills Musa]. The Sheik is shot by a Gurkha and falls from his horse (1444). A camel train at sunset (1455). The End (1455ft).

Note: English titles.