Plot Summary

Diplomats, soldiers, and other representatives of a dozen nations fend off the siege of the International Compound in Peking during the 1899 to 1901 Boxer Rebellion. The disparate interests unite for survival, despite competing factions, overwhelming odds, delayed relief, and tacit support of the Boxers by Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi (Dame Flora Robson) and her Generals.