The story interweaves four separate narratives, each exploring the theme of intolerance across different periods and cultures. The first narrative, set in ancient Babylon, follows the downfall of the city due to religious fervor and political machination. The second narrative, rooted in Judea around the time of Jesus Christ, depicts his crucifixion as the result of human cruelty and misunderstanding. The third story focuses on 16th-century France, where the Catholic oppression of the Huguenots culminates in the tragic St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. In each segment, characters face tremendous adversity as a result of societal bigotry and prejudice.

The fourth and final storyline is set in contemporary America and centers on a young couple beset by labor unrest and moralistic reformers, leading to their harrowing struggle against judicial and social injustice. These narratives are intercut to show parallel instances of intolerance throughout history, highlighting the recurring nature of human suffering caused by prejudice. As the stories unfold simultaneously, viewers are invited to draw connections between different epochs and understand the universality of intolerance and its destructive outcomes.