In this adaptation of Jules Verne's first novel, Professor Ferguson (Cedric Hardwicke) leads a plucky band of travelers in a hot-air balloon on a journey across Africa to claim an uncharted corner of the continent for the British Empire. Along the way, the adventurers encounter bad weather, slave traders and a nasty sultan. The star-studded cast includes Red Buttons, Fabian, Barbara Eden, Peter Lorre and Barbara Luna.