Tutankhamun

Archaeologist Howard Carter is recruited by amateur Egyptologist Lord Carnarvon to explore the Valley of the Kings. Carter discovers tantalising evidence of the final resting place of the boy-king but world events threaten to halt his work.

In 1918, the war over, Carter is released from the army and resumes his search for Tutankhamun's tomb, re-encountering Maggie who provides a house for him. Carnarvon also returns with his family and again argues with Carter regarding the tomb's location as a new find is made. Impressed by his local knowledge Carnarvon's daughter Evelyn encourages him to make his own decisions but the funds run out and Maggie returns to America. Carnarvon also considers giving up but his hand is forced when Carter proposes selling everything he has to finance one last dig. Carnarvon relents and his decision would appear to be justified as the steps to a tomb are unearthed.

An ecstatic Carter celebrates the fact that he has finally discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, which, under the terms of the concession, will restore Carnarvon's wealth after almost bankrupting himself by financing the dig. However a change in the rules of ownership of the treasure deprives Carnarvon of any profits and so, to recoup finances, Carter strikes an exclusive deal with Times reporter Merton. Unfortunately this results in adverse reporting from other newspapers to the detriment of both of the archaeologists whilst Carter's affair with Evelyn also threatens the two men's friendship.

Lord Carnarvon falls ill with blood poisoning, and Howard Carter's work is hampered by the Egyptian authorities and he leaves the dig. After her father's death, Lady Evelyn convinces the Egyptians and Carter to cooperate in order to save the finds from deterioration.