When the construction of the East African railway comes to a grinding halt Bob Hayward, the chief engineer, undertakes to kill the lion that is terrifying the construction crews and preventing them from working. Hayward isn’t very happy in his job. He’s been away from his home and his wife for 8 months and has taken to drinking and carousing.As the lion continues to attack the laborers, Hayward seeks the help of the local Masai tribesmen but they too have little success. Despite the arrival of several hunters to assist him - and his wife who unexpectedly arrives from England - the killer beast remains elusive, killing them one by one. It’s left to Hayward to overcome his self-doubts and go up against the lion.