South of Algiers (1953): Cast & Plot

Doctor Burnet, a meticulous scholar of ancient history at the British Museum, becomes consumed by the chase for the legendary and priceless Golden Mask of Moloch, believed to sleep in the long-forgotten tomb of a Roman general buried somewhere deep in the Algerian desert. He plans another expedition, yet funds are tight, making it hard to hire an archaeologist to accompany him. The museum curator hints that Nicholas Chapman, an American author famous for accessible archaeology books, is eager to join without pay, on the understanding that he can publish his discoveries in magazines and later in book form. Burnet remains skeptical about Chapman’s expertise and sincerity, but ultimately agrees to bring him along, hoping the collaboration will add both momentum and a ready-made audience to the project.