In this conglomeration of several Ernest Hemmingway novels, writer and adventurer Harry Street (Gregory Peck) lies severely wounded and delirious at the foot of Africa's majestic, snow-covered Mount Kilimanjaro. While waiting for help to arrive, street feels his own death approaching and thus begins reflecting upon his failures with regret and sadness. Through fever-induced flashbacks, he recounts the story of his life to his devoted but neglected wife Helen (Susan Hayward) who tends his wounds and tries desperately to restore his will to live. She refuses to let him give up hope and so endures his haunting memories of lost loves (Ava Gardner, Hildegard Knef) and his contrite ranting about the compromises he made in order to be successful. Although street does not yet realize it, his last chance for love and happiness rests with Helen.