Adaptation of John Gay's 18th century opera, featuring Laurence Olivier as MacHeath and Hugh Griffith as the Beggar.

'Captain tries to hide accidental female passengers from admiral.' (British Film Catalogue)

The Pope and Cardinal Montefiasco plot to bring England back within the fold of the Catholic Church. Montefiasco decides to do this by first converting the Prince of Wales, then arranging the murder of leading Protestants on St Bartholomew's day. The Prince falls under the influence of the homosexual Dean of Balliol, an ally of the Cardinal, but may yet be saved by his love for cabaret girl Beatrice...