Laurence Olivier makes his singing debut in this lively Technicolor adaptation of John Gay's 18th century theatrical piece. Olivier stars as Captain Macheath, the leader of England's bandits and cutthroats. Macheath is in love with Polly Peachum (Dorothy Tutin), the daughter of beggar king Peachum (George Devine). He has also dallied with Lucy (Daphne Anderson), the daughter of corrupt constable Lockit (Stanley Holloway). Since it is in the best interests of both Peachum and Lockit to rid the world of Macheath, the two conspire to imprison and hang the scoundrel. While waiting to be hanged, the captain is entertained by a musical beggar, who has written an opera in which the highwayman is the hero.