SYNOPSIS

Act One

     A garret in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Poet Rodolphe and artist Marcel are unsuccessfully trying to work. It's chilly in the room, plus the friends have nothing for dinner. But they take these circumstances with humour. A fireplace, which hasn't long seen a fire, is kindled with Rodolphe's substantial manuscript. Philosopher Colline chilled to the marrow appears, followed by musician Schaunard who has managed to obtain some food, wine and firewood. Schaunard tells a story about an English lord and a parrot that let him get a little money, so suitable in this Holy Evening. But his friends don't care about Schaunard's stories as they are already in a festive mood. They are not going to spend this holiday with hungry stomachs! The friends,also called in the Latin Quarter "the four musketeers", joyfully play tricks on the house-owner who's come to them for the rent. Having got rid of him, they leave for the Mamusse cafe. Rodolphe stays alone as he must finish his article. Someone uncertainly knocks on the door. That's Mimi living in the same house. She's come to ask for a fire to light her candle. A tender talk starts between the young people. Finally Mimi leaves, but then returns: she's lost the key to her room. Mimi tells about her lonely life. Rodolphe makes Mimi a declaration of love. Mimi answers him. The friends' voices sound over from the street. The happy Mimi and Rodolphe join them.

Act Two

     The Latin Quarter in the Holy Evening. A joyous excitement reigns in the streets. Rodolphe and Mimi, Marcel, Schaunard and Colline merrily take their seats at a table in a cafe. In the swing of the revelry Marcel's girlfriend Musette appears. She is with her rich admirer Alcindor. Musette has left Marcel since she is sick and tired of the bohemian life. But she loves the artist. Marcel turns away from his sweetheart. Musette is irritated by his behaviour, but Alcindor's presence hinders her. At last a way out is found: she sends Alcindor away with an invented task and finds herself in Marcel's passionate arms. At this point a servant brings the bill. Schaunard discovers in terror that he has no more money. But Musette finds a way out here too: she declares that her friend will pay the bill upon his return.

Act Three

     A customs office in a Parisian suburb. A February morning. Mimi comes here to get Marcel's advise. She complains of Rodolphe, whose jealousy has made their life unbearable. Mimi's story is interrupted by coughing bouts. Rodolphe wakes up. Mimi hides. In his talk with Marcel Rodolphe reveals the truth: his sweetheart has tuberculosis. Mimi's sobbing betrays her presence. Left alone with Mimi, Rodolphe tenderly soothes her, but all in vain. Having learned the horrible truth, she insists on their separation. Rodolphe and Mimi say farewell to each other in a deep sorrow. Marcel and Musette didn't enjoy their happiness for a long time either. A quarrel breaks out between them. They break their relations again.

Act Four

     Marcel and Rodolphe are in their studio again, unsuccessfully trying to work. The spring has come. They are remembering their sweethearts. It's cold and uncosy in the garret. To somehow appease their hunger and at least slightly warm themselves, the friends start dancing and competing in jest. Musette's unexpected arrival interrupts the forced revels. She says that she's come with Mimi who has left a rich viscount as she's feeling the inexorable end approach. The friends carefully lead the girl into the room. But they have nothing to feed Mimi and warm her cold hands. Musette hastens to pawn her earrings, and Colline - his cloak. Mimi and Rodolphe fall into reminiscences about those happy days when they were together. Their friends come back. The doctor should come soon too. In the course of a quiet chat nobody notes that for poor Mimi all earthly joys and sorrows have already ended for ever.