Peter O’Toole brings to mind TE Lawrence in his portrayal of William Conrad’s 19th-century sailor. He is dismissed from the Navy due to cowardice after having to leave some Muslim pilgrims during a storm at sea. Later, when he prevents some would-be maritime saboteurs from succeeding, he joins forces with trader "Stein" (Paul Lukas) and begins a journey upriver to assist local people who are being held as slaves by t…

During the 1800s, an English merchant officer (Peter O'Toole) experiences a lapse in judgment that leads to his dismissal and a series of temporary positions until he finds purpose assisting a Southeast Asian community in confronting a harsh military leader (Eli Wallach), seeking a way to atone for his actions. The supporting actors include Paul Lukas, Jack Hawkins, Curd Jürgens, Daliah Lavi, and James Mason. Rich…