Overview

This riveting drama concerns the plight of a group of English soldiers, the "rear column" of famed African explorer H. M. Stanley's last expedition. The commanding officer, Maj. Bartelot, neurotically insists upon following Stanley's orders to the letter. He also insists that Stanley is out to destroy his military career. While he and his men wait for the promised 600 porters to transport them and their supplies to Stanley, he interprets Stanley's orders in such a way as to deprive one and all of needed provisions. Bartelot forces his men to wait for Stanley's orders, which never come. Eventually, they are destroyed by Bartelot's fanaticism.