Shalimar, an Egyptian princess, striving to rid her country of its Bedouin conquerors, forms an alliance with Prince Haidi, son of the Caliph of Bagdad. She practices her intrigues both at the court and, disguised as a dancing girl, in the market place.

Moses, a Hebrew baby, is found amongst the bulrushes by the Pharaoh's daughter. Aaron, Moses stepbrother, resents Moses who grows up the more sensible and likeable of the two and who was always the favourite of their grandfather, the Pharaoh. When Moses is given the task of leading his people to the promised land by his God, he creates havoc and brings plagues on the Pharaoh and the Egyptians who try to thwart his progress.