In this classic movie directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the half-mad Emperor Nero (Charles Laughton) delights in burning the city and blaming the fire on the Christians so he can slaughter them. In the midst of this, Rome's Prefect (Fredric March) has the misfortune to fall in love with a Christian maiden (Elissa Landi) and to be desired by Nero's powerful Empress (Claudette Colbert), whom he spurns. The stage is thus set for a spectacular enactment of some of the most chilling events of all time.