Julius Caesar has returned victorious to Rome from foreign wars. On the way to a public celebration, he is warned by a soothsayer to “beware the Ides of March.” Through his close friend, Roman general Mark Antony, the citizens offer Caesar a crown of kingship, which he refuses. This gesture combined with Caesar’s own ambitions for power, cause a group of senators, led by Cassius, to conspire against Caesar. To help their cause, they attempt to persuade Brutus, Caesar’s friend and a man known for his integrity, that the freedom of Rome hinges upon Caesar’s death. Brutus is tormented by the thought of betraying his friend; but his concern for Rome convinces him at last to join the conspirators in their plot to assassinate Caesar.

On the Ides of March (15th), Calphurnia (Caesar’s wife) tells of her frightful and ominous dreams, urging her husband to stay home rather than attend the senate that day. Although he initially consents that he might alleviate her fears, Caesar finally is persuaded by the conspirators themselves, as they dangle before him the promise of kingship, to accompany them to the capitol.

Later that day, before the statue of Caesar’s old enemy, Pompey, the conspirators surround Caesar and each, in turn, stabs him. Seeing his trusted friend amongst them, Caesar utters “Et Tu, Brutè? (And you, Brutus?) – Then fall, Caesar” and dies. Mark Antony is seemingly convinced by the conspirators that their actions were justified, but left alone he vows retribution.

Brutus delivers a funeral oration to the Roman populace explaining their actions as a righteous act of precaution against Caesar’s dangerous ambition. Antony next addresses the crowd, delivering the famous “Friends, Romans, countrymen…” speech and wins back the favour of the fickle mob. Brutus, Cassius and the other conspirators are forced to flee the city.

The new ruling triumvirate of Antony, Octavius (Caesar’s nephew) and Lepidus organize their military might to punish and pursue the conspirators. As the opposing armies gather on the Philippi battlefield, tempers fly and tensions mount in the conspirators’ camp. With news of his wife’s death, Brutus’ troubles are compounded further by a visit from Caesar’s ghost, who brings his own warning of seeing Brutus again at Philippi.

Next day, the armies meet; the triumvirate forces are victorious. Unwilling to be taken captive, Cassius and Brutus take their own lives. Antony laments the tragic fall of Brutus and pays him homage in declaring "This was the noblest Roman of them all."