Sinuhe (Edmund Purdom), a struggling physician in 18th Dynasty of Egypt (14th century BC), is thrown by chance into contact with the pharaoh Akhenaten (Michael Wilding (actor)). He rises to and falls from great prosperity, wanders the world, and becomes increasingly drawn towards a new religion spreading throughout Egypt. His companions throughout are his lover, a shy tavern maid named Merit (Jean Simmons); and his corrupt but likable servant, Kaptah (Peter Ustinov).