Khartoum

Khartoum is a 1966 British epic war film based on historical accounts of Gen. Charles "Chinese" Gordon's (1833–1885) defence of the Sudanese city of Khartoum from the forces of the Sudanese Mahdist army, during the Siege of Khartoum (1884–1885). In 1883, William Gladstone (Ralph Richardson), Britain's prime minister, enlists reputable Gen. Gordon (Charlton Heston) to smooth over the situation in Sudan after a brutal battle has left several British men dead. Gordon, known to defy orders, is received well in the city of Khartoum -- so instead of acting as an ambassador, he motivates the city to prepare its defenses. Despite massive efforts to divert enemy attack, Gordon's new, small army is no match for what befalls it.