1844. The Moroccan Sultan has given refuge to Abdel Kader, the charasmatic leader of a revolt against the French who have taken control and imposed a colonial government over much of Algeria. The Moroccans have raised a large army under the command of the sultan's son to crush the invaders. The French are led by the competent leader Marshal Bugeaud who has devised novel tactics to counter the Moroccan superiority in troops and boldly advances into Morocco.