Synopsis

Based on the epic poem The Iliad by Homer, an epic tale of passion, heroism, love, and betrayal, one woman possesses a beauty that launches a thousand ships and sparks a war that destroys the greatest city of its age. 

In 1100 B.C., the prosperous city of Troy, impregnable behind her mighty walls and a tempting prize of war for the Greek kingdoms to the south, is ruled by King Priam (SIR CEDRIC HARDWICKE), peace-loving husband, father and monarch. King Priam and Hecuba (NORA SWINBURNE), queen of Troy, send their son, Paris (JACK SERNAS) on a mission of peace--a leave-taking that is marred by the dire predictions of Paris' sister Cassandra (JANETTE SCOTT), a priestess of the Temple.

The ship of Paris is storm-tossed, and Paris is swept to sea on a broken mast. On the coast of Sparta, Paris regains consciousness looking into the face of the most beautiful woman in the world. She is Helen of Troy (ROSSANA PODESTA). With the help of her slave girl Andraste (BRIGITTE BARDOT), Helen conceals Paris knowing that he will not be kindly received by her husband Menelaus (NIALL MacGINNIS).

When Paris goes to the Spartan palace, he finds a council meeting of the Greek kings planning an attack on Troy. Among the leaders are Agamemnon (ROBERT DOUGLAS), Ulysses (TORIN THATCHER), the great Achilles (STANLEY BAKER), Patroclus (TERENCE LONGDON), Diomedes (MARC LAWRENCE), Ajax (MAXWELL REED), and Nestor (GUIDO NOTARI).

To win the approval of King Menelaus, Paris fights a battle with the powerful Ajax. Paris' agility proves superior to Ajax' strength. Watching the battle is Helen, who in turn is watched by jealous Menelaus. He recognizes the love that is in her eyes and accuses her of falling in love with the Trojan. He threatens to torture Paris. Helen effects his rescue from imprisonment. As they start for the Phoenician boat that will carry Paris safely back to Troy, they are almost captured by Greek soldiers. Paris refuses to allow Helen to return to Menelaus, and together they flee to Troy.

Menelaus calls a council of war to unite all Greeks to sail against Troy and reclaim his wife and loot the rich city. King Priam, Queen Hecuba, Hector and the others recognize that a bitter and tragic war is now inevitable. Paris is condemned for his actions, and the people turn against their prince and his stolen Helen. A thousand Greek ships sail on the city. The Greeks land and attack the walls of the city. Trojan archers, repel the attacks. The Trojans and Greeks alike suffer many casualties. The Trojans build their funeral pyres in open accusation of Helen's love for Paris, which started the dreadful war.

Helen decides to stop the war by returning to Menelaus. The Greeks agree to receive the surrender of Helen, but when she goes to the rendezvous, Agamemnon cries out that her surrender alone will not pay the debt. The Greek warlords still want to plunder Troy. Paris hurries to the rendezvous and snatches Helen back from Menelaus. He carries her back through the gates of Troy. Achilles challenges Hector to personal combat. Achilles proves unbeatable and Hector dies ingloriously. Achilles lashes Hector's body to a chariot and drags him furiously about the combat area. In anguish at the death of his brother, Paris shoots an arrow at Achilles. The arrow rips into the warrior's heel and Achilles falls dead.

The death of their superman leader demoralizes the Greeks, but in a final effort Ulysses has a sacred horse built. Into the hollow wooden horse move Greek warriors. When the Greek ships sail away, leaving on the beach a victory "gift" to the unsuspecting Trojans, King Prima orders the horse brought within the city as a monument to Trojan valor.

During the night of revelry, the Greek soldiers leave their hiding place in the horse and open the gates of Troy. The invading Greek armies crash through. The city is attacked and pillaged. Paris and Menelaus meet head-on, and Paris sends him crashing, but a Spartan warrior moves in and impales Paris. Dazed, Helen allows herself to be taken aboard Menelaus' ship for the voyage back to Sparta.