Juan is the naïve son of a once-famous bullfighter who tries to recapture the glory of his family's name. Though he is branded fifth rate, he soon becomes Spain's greatest matador and returns home to marry his childhood sweetheart. But when a beautiful, passionate aristocrat seduces him, Juan succumbs to her temptations, only to see his own happiness and sucess crumble.

In 19th century Seville, the lusty, tempestuous Carmen seduces a naive Army corporal, Don Jose, newly assigned to the village fortress. Jose abandons his career, his fiancee and even his dying mother for the love of this sultry gypsy. But soon she spurns him in favor of a toreador, Escamillo. Crazed with jealousy, Jose begs Carmen to return to him, but her taunting declaration of independence results in tragedy.

A matador falls into the clutches of a beautiful, insincere society woman. Includes a rare Valentino short.