Carmen, a gypsy, working in a Spanish cigar factory, is flaunted by Escamillo, the bullfighter, but infatuates José, a soldier, who aids her to escape from jail and follows her to the gypsy camp. Tiring of his love, Carmen finally fascinates Escamillo and the love-crazed José kills her at a bull fight just as Escamillo is being proclaimed by the audience.

A criminal on the run hides in a circus and seeks to possess the daughter of the ringmaster at any cost.