A group of starving artists try to survive in 1830s Paris, including a seamstress and the would-be playwright she loves.

It is 1830 in Paris and the rent is due, but the money is not there. An article here, a painting there and a monkey with a cup gives them enough money for the rent, but not for food. Fortunately, Musette from downstairs has enough food for everyone including Mimi - the poor little waif from next door who Rodolphe has met. But Count Paul also has his lusting eye on Mimi and uses her embroidery to get close to her. Rodolphe and Mimi fall in love and Mimi works endlessly to support Rodolphe who is writing his play with a new found passion. He does not know that he has been discharged from writing for 'Dog and Cat Fanciers'. Mimi wants to get his play produced and Count Paul offers to help, but there is a terrible fight when Rodolphe thinks that Mimi is faithless to him with Count Paul. After the fight, he seeks out a doctor as she is sick, but she has left when Rodolphe returns and will stay away until his play is finished.—Tony Fontana <[email protected]>

Mimi (GISH), a poor seamstress in the Latin Quarter, is unable to pay her rent and is about to be evicted, when Rodolphe (GILBERT), a struggling young playwright who admires her fragile beauty, takes her into his circle of bohemian friends. Her gratitude to Rodolphe develops into an idyllic love. As time passes, Rodolphe ekes out a meager existence writing for a newspaper while working on a play, inspired by Mimi. He is discharged, but Mimi keeps him in ignorance of the fact, pretending to deliver his articles and secretly sewing at night to support them both. Paul (D'ARCY), a cynical boulevardier attracted to Mimi, is induced by her to take the play to a theater manager, and she accompanies him, in clothes borrowed from her friend, Musette (ADORÉE). Rodolphe suspects her of infidelity, and she leaves him. Later, his play is successful, and, at the peak of his fame, Mimi returns to him desperately ill and dies in his arms.

Mimi is attracted to Rudolphe by his kindness. He is writing for a magazine while working on his play. Mimi carries his articles to the paper, but because they are late, he is fired. Fearing the news may hurt his play-writing skills, she works late at night sewing, without his knowledge, and uses the proceeds to pay him his expected salary. She meets a friend, she thinks, to have him read and get the play produced, but Rudoplhe is jealous and she is deeply hurt. Suffering, also unknown to Rudolphe, from tuberculosis, she leaves him a note of farewell. His play is a great success but he is unhappy without Mimi.—Les Adams <[email protected]>