Dark of the Sun

Dark of the Sun

Year: 1968

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Jack Cardiff

WarDramaAdventureWar and historical adventureEpic heroes

A hardened band of mercenaries, commanded by Captain Curry, pushes across the war‑torn Congo’s treacherous landscape, clashing with rival forces in a daring bid to steal $50 million worth of uncut diamonds. Their mission is threatened by internal dissent, ruthless rebels and a ticking time lock that could ruin everything.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Dark of the Sun (1968)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dark of the Sun (1968). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1964

The events take place in 1964, amid the Congo Crisis marked by rebel uprisings and UN peacekeeping. The period is defined by rapid military actions, shifting loyalties, and volatile security on the ground. The tension of the era drives the mercenaries’ decisions and the danger faced by civilians.

Location

Congo, remote mining town during the Congo Crisis

The story unfolds in the Congo during the 1960s Congo Crisis, centering on a remote mining town about to be attacked by Simba rebels. The area includes a burned farmhouse, a mission hospital, and a railway line where a steam train carries people and a fortune in diamonds. The setting is a war-torn landscape where international peacekeepers, mercenaries, and locals collide.

🗺️ Africa 🏭 Mining town ⚔️ Conflict 🚂 Train journey

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:53

Main Characters – Dark of the Sun (1968)

Meet the key characters of Dark of the Sun (1968), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bruce Curry (Rod Taylor)

A pragmatic mercenary captain who leads the mission with a mix of skill and moral flexibility. He is driven by securing the diamonds while also trying to protect the European residents, making tough, often controversial decisions.

⚔️ Mercenary 🧭 Pragmatic 🧠 Moral ambiguity

Ruffo (Jim Brown)

Curry’s stalwart ally, a fearless fighter whose loyalty and courage underpin the group’s efforts. His presence embodies courage under fire, but his fate is a stark reminder of the stakes in this brutal mission.

💪 Loyal 🗡️ Fierce 🔥 Brave

Henlein (André Morell)

An ex-Nazi mercenary whose resentment and ambition threaten the mission. He pursues the diamonds with cold calculation and commits brutal acts, creating a volatile dynamic with Curry and the group.

🪖 Ex-Nazi 🧠 Manipulative ⚔️ Dangerous

Dr. Wreid (Kenneth More)

An alcoholic doctor who reluctantly stays with a pregnant woman at a mission hospital, illustrating the moral weight of leaving civilians behind. His erratic behavior juxtaposes medical care with personal flaws.

🥃 Alcoholic 🧪 Doctor 💊 Compassionate

Claire (Yvette Mimieux)

A traumatised survivor recovered from a burned farmhouse, she embodies the human cost of violence. Her presence adds emotional depth and complicates the mercenaries’ choices.

💔 Traumatized 🧭 Survivor

President Ubi

The Congolese president who hires Curry, providing official support but also exposing the operation’s fragile political context. His role underscores the blurred lines between state power, mercenary action, and diamond interests.

👑 Leader 🗺️ Political context

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:53

Major Themes – Dark of the Sun (1968)

Explore the central themes of Dark of the Sun (1968), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💎 Greed

Diamonds drive much of the plot, pulling different characters toward the vault and the town’s chaos. Curry’s mission blends rescue with a perilous jewel heist, testing his sense of duty against personal gain. Henlein’s presence escalates the greed-driven conflicts, culminating in betrayals and deadly consequences.

⚔️ War

The narrative is saturated with brutality—from Simba attacks to the violence in the hotel and town. The conflict bleeds into every choice, forcing mercenaries to improvise and jeopardize civilians’ safety. The ethics of war emerge as characters balance survival with moral limits.

🤝 Loyalty

Ruffo’s loyalty contrasts with Henlein’s treachery, highlighting the bonds that hold or break under pressure. The crew’s reliance on one another evolves as trust is tested by suspicion and manipulation. The end reveals how loyalty can lead to costly sacrifices and difficult self-reflection.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:53

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Unlock the Full Story of Dark of the Sun

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dark of the Sun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dark of the Sun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dark of the Sun Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dark of the Sun, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dark of the Sun Summary

Dark of the Sun Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dark of the Sun with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dark of the Sun Timeline

More About Dark of the Sun

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dark of the Sun: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dark of the Sun

Explore More About Movie Dark of the Sun

Dark of the Sun (1968) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Dark of the Sun (1968) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Dark of the Sun (1968) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow