Beau Ideal

The last two survivors, Smith and Brown, are consigned to a grain pit to die slowly in the desert. As they wait, they realize they were childhood friends named John Geste and Otis Madison. Their memories spark a series of flashbacks recounting their boyhood bonds in England.

Flashbacks reveal John Geste and Otis Madison growing up together in England, sharing adventures and a close bond. They form lifelong friends who sense something more, while Isobel Landon becomes part of Otis's memories.

Back in England, Otis learns that John has joined the French Foreign Legion. He also discovers Isobel Landon is betrothed to John. Moved by these revelations, Otis vows to follow John to Africa and try to bring him back.

Otis travels to Africa with the aim of reuniting the two friends and bringing John home. He plans to support Isobel’s desires and prevent a rupture between the lovers.

Otis arrives with the detachment to garrison a French fort in the desert. Harsh conditions spark a mutiny among the other legionnaires, and Otis refuses to join, working to quell the rebellion.

Though the mutiny is defeated, the commanders suspect Otis’s involvement and send him to a penal detail. He endures harsh treatment as he is cut off from his companions and left to prove his loyalty.

While in the penal detail, Otis is falsely accused again and is thrown into the grain pit along with John. The two confront death together as the film’s opening sequence unfolds.

A passing band of Arabs miraculously rescues them, not realizing they are being used as bait to draw legionnaires into a trap. The rescue introduces a new peril linked to their precarious situation.

Zuleika, the emir’s consort known as the Angel of Death, is attracted to Otis. She warns him of an imminent Arab attack on the fort and helps Otis and John escape.

Otis and John race to the fort and join the defense against the Arab assault, contributing to the fort’s defense and securing their freedom. Their quick action saves the fort and demonstrates their loyalty to each other.

With the danger over, Otis must face his commitment to Zuleika. She has shifted her affections to Major LeBaudy, freeing Otis from that arrangement.

Otis and John return to England, where John finally releases Isobel from their betrothal. This clears the way for Otis and Isobel to marry as they plan a future together.

In England, Isobel is freed from her betrothal to John, and she and Otis marry, reuniting the couple and bringing their long journey to a close. The couple plans a future together as the film closes.