Sean Connery brings his commanding presence and rugged heroism to the lead role of desert chieftain Raisuli in this rousing historical epic filled with eye-dazzling vistas and sweeping battle scenes.

In 1904 Morocco, European powers desire a foothold in the Arab world - and Raisuli is determined to stir up tribal fury against them. So he kidnaps an American widow (Candice Bergen) and her children, igniting a chain of events that include President Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Keith) wielding the big stick of foreign policy and Raisuli matching wits and sharing mutual admiration with his lovely captive. John Milius scripts and directs, bending true-life fact to serve his storytelling craft, shaping history into spirited screen legend.

At the turn of the century, a North African sheik kidnaps an American widow and her children in Tangiers, setting off a chain of international incidents. But while she's being held for ransom, the widow finds herself increasingly attracted to her captor. Then, Theodore Roosevelt--with thoughts of re-election on his mind--sends the Marines to rescue them, and becomes entangled in both European and Arabian political intrigues. Academy Award Nominations: Best Sound, Best Original Score.