Mark Brandon (Robert Taylor) is an archaeologist heading to Egypt for an expedition. After meeting Ann Mercedes (Eleanor Parker), the daughter of his late mentor, he is persuaded to help her uncover the tomb of the pharaoh Ra-Hotep, with the aim of confirming Ann's father's hypotheses about the burial site. Aided by Ann's husband, Philip (Carlos Thompson), the adventurous crew embark on their quest, but a mysterious villain named Hamed (Kurt Kasznar) may have other plans in mind.