Dark of the Sun – known as The Mercenaries in the United Kingdom – is a 1968 British war film directed by Jack Cardiff and starring Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, Jim Brown and Peter Carsten. The film is based on a 1965 Wilbur Smith novel titled The Dark of the Sun. The story centers on a band of mercenaries led by Captain Curry, that are sent on a dangerous mission during the Congo Crisis. The ragtag group battle rival armies in order to steal $50 million in uncut diamonds. But infighting, sadistic rebels and a time lock put their goal in jeopardy. Critics condemned the film on its original release for its graphic scenes of violence and torture.