The life and works of the great artist Michelangelo Buonarroti are shown against the historical background of his time. Comprises his earliest artworks, and follows his life and career as he achieves lasting fame, and includes detailed looks at some of the artist's most renowned creations. A heavily re-edited cut of Curt Oertel's film Michelangelo: Das Leben eines Titanen, (1938, Switzerland) with new footage shot by Flaherty.