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The lovelorn Narraboth enters, singing a song of praise to Salome’s beauty. In a deep cistern nearby, the troublesome prisoner and prophet, John the Baptist, rails against the unlawful marriage of Herod and Herodias and predicts the coming of the Messiah. Salome dashes in, seeking to avoid her stepfather. Hearing John the Baptist curse her mother’s wickedness, Salome is overwhelmed with intense curiosity and a sudden, sizzling desire. Salome charms Narraboth into ordering that the Baptist be brought to her.

John the Baptist ascends from the pit. He denounces her parents and rebuffs the princess. Salome finds him irresistible. To the teenager’s dismay, John is unmoved by her beauty. Narraboth, meanwhile, is so appalled by Salome’s obvious passion for the Baptist that he throws himself on his own sword. Salome barely notices.

Disgusted, John the Baptist decides he prefers the loneliness of the pit to the corrupt company on the terrace and he returns to the cistern. The frustrated girl’s obsession now turns to rage, and Salome resolves to have the Baptist, dead or alive.

Herod enters, trailed by Salome’s calculating mother, Herodias. The King summons refreshments, and implores Salome to sit by him.

From the pit, the voice of the prophet is heard once more, and Herodias turns on her husband, demanding to know why the Baptist is still alive. This question sparks a heated debate among Herod’s guests. Visiting Nazarenes have heard whispers of a miracle-worker in the land, possibly the long-awaited Messiah, of whom John has preached.

The unnerved king urges Salome to dance for him, to take his mind off such matters, but Herodias won’t allow it. However, the princess senses an opportunity and, as her stepfather persists in his request, Salome teases him into promising her whatever she asks. King Herod foolishly agrees to Salome’s terms, and the voice of John the Baptist can be heard, warning of impending doom.

Voluptuous music signals the infamous “Dance of the Seven Veils.” At the end of the dance, Salome throws herself at Herod’s feet. Enthralled, King Herod urges Salome to name her reward. The cool young woman demands the head of John the Baptist...on a platter.

The horrified monarch, realizing, too late, that he has been outwitted, offers the princess treasures beyond her imagination: Herod pleads in vain. Salome will not be dissuaded from her grotesque prize. Out-maneuvered and fearing the contempt of his guests, the king orders the Baptist beheaded.

The executioner descends into the pit while Salome hovers, impatiently, nearby. Finally, he returns with the severed head of John the Baptist, balanced on a serving tray.

Salome seizes the trophy in an ecstasy of genuine longing. The princess mourns the prophet’s beauty and kisses John’s unresisting mouth with all-consuming passion.

Herod’s shock hardens into revulsion. Salome’s madness can only result in death – this time, her own. The King orders her killed. The soldiers rush forward and crush Salome beneath their shields, ending her obsession, as well as her life.