Violetta Valéry, a Paris courtesan, is hosting a lavish and bustling party in her luxurious house. She is a real metropolian “star” surrounded by numerous admirers of her beauty. Time flies happily and casually; Violetta’s recovery is celebrated.

Gastone, her friend, introduces the hostess to Alfredo de Germont who recently arrived in Paris from the provinces. Alfredo has long adored Violetta. Following a request of the guests – and upon Violetta’s will – Alfredo sings a drinking song, a hymn to love and the pleasures of life.

The dancing begins; but a sudden ailment forces Violetta to leave the guests. Alfredo is standing beside her. He is alarmed by her sickness; he asks her to take care of herself and change her life abandoning the noisy parties. The young man confesses – passionately and tenderly – the love that captured his heart. Violetta hides her excitement behind carelessness and conviction that they are not a couple. This young man seems to awaken an unknown feeling in her soul. She gives Alfredo a camellia setting up a date.

Flushed with wine, dancing and fun the guests return. They thank the hostess for the party and gradually leave.

Being alone, Violetta – overwhelmed with a new feeling for her – begins to dream of mutual love and another life. But suddenly a stinging thought squeezes her heart: how can she – sick and alone – think about happiness? She doesn’t have much time left to live; so Violetta decides that her destiny is only entertainment and pleasure. But Alfredo’s voice, his words of love – flowing from afar – confuse her.

Violetta and Alfredo left Paris settling in a cozy house in the countryside. Alfredo recalls that three months have passed since they left the brilliant metropolian community; they live happily loving each other.

Annina interrupts his thoughts. From a conversation with her Alfredo learns that Violetta is secretly selling all her property because of her precarious financial position. Feeling devastated and ashamed he rushes to Paris to get money.

Violetta is opening letters. In one of the letters she sees an invitation to a party from Flora; she laughs and puts it aside as unnecessary. Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, enters. He had come with the firm decision of forcing this indign woman to break off her relations with his son. The old nobleman impeaches Violetta; for she leads Alfredo to bancruptcy and ruination.

Violetta is offended. She shows Germont the documents testifying her intention to sell her property. She confesses that she loves Alfredo and repents for the sins of the past. And although Germont is impressed by the intensity and sincerity of her feelings he still asks for a sacrifice for the sake of his daughter whose happiness is threatened by Alfredo’s dingy relations with Violetta.

Violetta is desperate. She confesses that she is terminally ill; she does not have long to live; and Alfredo’s love is the only light in her life. The girl asks him not to separate them. But the father is relentless. He convinces Violetta that their union is fated. Violetta yields to his pressure and agrees to divorce her lover. Left alone, she writes him a letter.

Alfredo comes back. He tells her he received a rigorous letter from his father who has come; but the young man believes that his father will change his mind just when he sees Violetta. Violetta is excited tremendously; she cries and laughs; she confesses her love and demands vows in return. The surprised young man responds with tenderness and tries to calm his beloved; but she suddenly bids him goodbye and runs out.

Alarmed Alfredo reads a letter from his beloved; he is desperate. Giorgio Germont returns. He tries to persuade his son to return to his family. Alfredo notices the invitation from Flora and – filled with anger and jealousy – rushes to the party to take revenge on Violetta.

Fun is in full play in Flora’s salon. Young women – the “gypsies” – foretell the future, and the “matadors” sing about love. Alfredo is at the gambling table. Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol. She persuades young Germont to leave; for she is afraid of a clash between Alfredo and the Baron. In contempt of Alfredo’s request she cannot leave the party with him; for she is bound by an oath. In a fit of jealousy Alfredo calls everyone together and publicly insults Violetta throwing a pile of money at her feet in payment for her love.

Everyone is stricken. Giorgio Germont calls his son’s act shameful. Violetta cries and talks about the day when Alfredo will reveal the reasons behind her action and the pain he caused her. Alfredo is devastated and desperate; he does not know how to make amends to her. The Baron challenges him to a duel.

Violetta is severily ill. Only faithful Annina is next to her. Dr. Grenvil enters. He tries to comfort Violetta; but she realizes that the disease is inexorable, so that she had very little left to live.

Recollections of a happy past overtake Violetta when she rereads a letter from Giorgio Germont. The old nobleman informs that Alfredo knows everything and will return soon to crave pardon. A keen sense of despair seizes the girl; she gives up all her hopes.

The noise of the fun is flowing from the street. Annina says Alfredo is back. The lovers rush into the arms of each other; the past is forgotten; they dream of happiness… Now Violetta strives to live, but strength abandons her. Remorse of old Germont, as well as Alfredo’s love, cannot save her anymore. Violetta dies after blessing Alfredo with a new love.