Set in Kenya during the Mau Mau Rebellion that spanned from 1952 to 1960, this drama is centered on two lovers, Alan Howard (Dirk Bogarde) and Mary Crawford (Virginia McKenna), who find their love affair nearly torn apart by their individual convictions about racial equality. After Alan's brother is killed by the Mau Mau, his loathing of the people is eventually eased after meeting native physician Dr. Karanja (Earl Cameron).