The world famous opera by Puccini. The scene is laid in Rome in 1800, at the time of the battle of Marengo. Cesar Angelotti, a politica prisoner, has escaped and takes refuge in the Church of Saint Andrea Alla Valle, where he surprises the painter, Cavaradossi, at work. Cavaradossi, recog nising in him the Consul of the late Roman Republic and an old friend of his, arranges to convey him through a secret passage in an adjoining chapel which leads out to his own villa garden, where he can hide in a dry well. Whilst making these arrangements he is interrupted by his sweetheart, Tosca, a singer, who demands admission; and thrusting Angelotti into the chapel, Cavaradossi admits the beautiful singer, who is of a jealous disposition, and whose suspicions have been aroused by the closed door. He soothes her ruffled feelings, however, and at length sends her away happy. Then, as he enters the chapel, a cannon shot announces that the prisoners escape has become known, and, knowing that every moments delay means danger, the painter decides to accompany the refugee himself. Angelotti by this time has arrayed himself in some feminine garments left in the chapel by his sister for his disguise, and the pair escape through the secret passage just as a crowd of citizens pour into the church, headed by the wicked Scarpia, Chief of Police, by whose malice Angelotti had been unjustly imprisoned, and who has now tracked him to this spot. The crowd are rejoicing in a rumour that Napoleon has been defeated at Marengo; and with them comes Tosca, whose jealous suspicions of her lover are stirred afresh by Scarpia showing her a ladies fan he has discovered in the chapel. Scarpia has conceived a violent passion for Tosca, and determines to make her his mistress; and as he suspects Cavaradossi of aiding the escaped Angelotti, he thinks to rid himself of his rival by bringing him to execution for his present shielding of a State prisoner. He therefore bids his chief spy and attendant, Spoletta, follow Tosca, believing that she will seek her lover. This ruse is successful, and Cavaradossi is found and brought to a chamber in the Palace Farnese, where Scarpia is expecting Tosca, who is to sing at the Queens festival that evening in honour of the supposed victory...