The essence of Alexandre Dumas' lush romantic tragedy has never been as beautifully or faithfully captured as it is in this gorgeous MGM version that stars the extraordinary Greta Garbo in her finest hour as the doomed French kept woman who falls in love with a dashing young soldier. To be with him, she leaves the married baron who has supported her for many years, a fact she neglects to tell her new beau. The depth of her love for this man surprises her, for in the past the love of money overshadowed her more human qualities. Unfortunately, the youth's father knows about her past and demands that she stop seeing his son. Camille, wanting only what is best for him makes this sacrifice and spurns him and returns to the unpleasant baron. Soon afterward, the poor love-struck woman dies of consumption.