To set fire to Rome, murder the consuls, cancel all debts, and proscribe the wealthy citizens, is the plan of Catiline and his fellow conspirators, when they meet at the house of Quintus Curius, in the year 66 B.C. Their lowered voices are overheard by a spy, who carries the news to Cicero, the consul. With this evidence the great orator plans the utter destruction of Catiline and his followers. At the next meeting of the Senate, Cicero majestically rises from his seat, and pointing an accusing finger at Catiline, delivers his famous denunciation, branding him a traitor to his country. Catiline rushes from the chamber, followed by the curses of the senators. He then hastens to his army, and not long afterwards hazards battle with the consular forces. A terrible engagement ensues, in which not one of the conquered is taken alive. Catiline's body is found far in advance of his own ranks, amidst a heap of the enemy.
—Moving Picture World synopsis