In an attempt to master all human knowledge, Wittenberg University's greatest scholar, Doctor Faustus (Richard Burton), strikes an unholy bargain with the Devil: in exchange for his soul, Faustus will gain youth, wisdom and The Woman (Elizabeth Taylor), a living embodiment of Helen of Troy, Diana the Huntress, a courtesan and a queen. To keep the doctor from changing his mind, Satan dispatches Mephistopheles with orders to distract him. Blinded by visions of terror and joy, delighted by ingenious games and toys, Faustus loses his ability to repent and willingly follows The Woman as she leads him down through the gates of Hell.