King Duncan's generals, Macbeth and Banquo, encounter three strange women on a bleak Scottish moorland on their way home from quelling a rebellion. the women prophesy that Macbeth will be given the title of Thane of Cawdor in thanks and then become King of Scottland, while banquo's heirs shall be Kings. The generals want to hear more but the weird sisters disappear. Duncan creates Macbeth Thane of Cawdor in thanks for his succes in the recent battle and then purposes to make a brief visit to Macbeth's castle.

Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband of the prophesy and his new titles and she vows to help him become king by any means she can. Macbeth's return is followed almost at once by Duncan's arrival. The Macbeth plot together and later that night, while all are sleeping and after his wife has given the guards drugged wine, Macbeth kills the king and his guards. Lady Macbeth leaves the bloody daggers beside the dead king. Macduff arrives and when the murder is discovered, Duncan's sons, Malcom and Donalbain flee, fearing for their lives, but they are neverless blamed for the murder.

Macbeth is elected King of Scottland, but is plagued by feelings of guilt and insecurity. He arranges for Banquo and his son, Fleance to be killed, but the boy escapes the murderers. At a ceremony Banquet Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and disconcerts the courtiers with his strange manners. Lady Macbeth tries to calm him but is rejected. 

Macbeth seeks out the witches and learn from them that he will be safe until Birman wood come to his castle, Dunsinane. They tell him that he need fear no-one born of woman, but also that the Scottish succesion will come from Banquo's son. Macbeth embarks on a reign of terror and many, including Macduff's familly are murdered, while Macduff himself has gone to join Malcom at the court of the English king, Edward.
Malcom and Macduff decide to lead an army against Macbeth.

Macbeth feels safe in his remote castle at Dunsinane until he is told that Birman wood is moving towards him. The situation is that Malcom's army is carrying branches from the forest as a camouflage for their assault on the castle. Meanwhile Lady Macbeth, paralysed with guilt, walks in her sleep and gives away her secrets to a listening doctor. She kills herself as the final battle commences.

Macduff chalenges Macbeth who, on learning his adversary is the child of a Cesarian birth, realised he is doomed. Macduff triumphs and brings the head of the traitor to Malcom who declares peace and is crowned King.