Caesar brings the Egyptian queen Cleopatra to Rome, but their intense passion for each other has started to cool. As others prepare seek to bring about a conspiracy against Caesar and Cleopatra, every night Cleopatra begins to dream the same dream: her former lover is killed by his close associates. Her high priest states that the dream is one of prophecy, and no action can stop the march of events. Despite this, the Egyptian queen sends her messengers to Caesar, seeking to warn him that the fatal wounds will be inflicted by Brutus.

An alcoholic artist, who may in fact have been driven to murder, seeks inspiration from a mannequin.