Khartoum

Directed by Basil Dearden & Eliot Elisofon

Khartoum (1966) is based on Gordon's defence of the Sudanese city of Khartoum from the forces of the Mahdist army during the Battle of Khartoum.

English General Charles George Gordon, a devout Christian, is appointed military governor of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan by Prime Minister Gladstone. Ordered to evacuate Egyptians from the Sudan, General Gordon stays on to protect the people of Khartoum, who are under threat of being conquered by a Muslim army. His Christian faith and military command are challenged by Mohammed Ahmed el Mahdi, "the Expected One," the head of the Muslim forces.

Director

Basil Dearden

Eliot Elisofon (introductory scenes)

Writer

Robert Ardrey

Cast

Charlton Heston … General Charles Gordon

Laurence Olivier … Mahommed Ahmed, referred to as the Mahdi

Richard Johnson … Colonel Stewart

Ralph Richardson … William Gladstone, British Prime Minister

Alexander Knox … Sir Evelyn Baring, the British ruler of Egypt.

Johnny Sekka … Khaleel

Nigel Green … General Wolseley

Michael Hordern … Lord Granville, the British Foreign Secretary

Peter Arne … Major Kitchener

Trivia

• Lewis Gilbert was attached as director at one point.