[1] The film is based upon the novel The Shadow of the East by Edith Maude Hull, who also wrote the best-selling desert romance The Sheik.

Barry meets his old university friend Said (Kerry), a polished gentleman who is the son of an Algerian sheik.

His Hindu servant Kunwar (Grassby), through his command of oriental mysticism, casts a spell on Barry that makes him feel remorse for his former wife Lolaire’s death.

Said repents, sends aid, rescues Barry, and restores Gillian to him.

Barry’s servant Kunwar is killed and with his death the curse, which was the shadow of the east, is lifted.