Rodolphe (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) is a merry struggling playwright in late 19th century Paris. He and his eclectic group of budding artist friends struggle with poverty and lack of recognition while living in a rat trap old apartment building. They spend a great deal of time in the "Cafe" drinking, laughing and talking about what their dreams. It is apparent that if they spent more time working and less time playing, their futures might be a little brighter.
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When the dreaded rent day comes, Rodolphe finds it necessary to actually do a little work. He visits Lammote (Austin Trevor), a vainly pompous actor who is in the middle of an argument with his mistress, famed actress Mimi (Gertrude Lawrence). Mimi storms out of the bedroom, gathers her things hurriedly and fatefully bumps into the handsome Rodolphe. Slamming the door behind her, Mimi heads out into the world and out of Rodolphe's life. Out of his life but not for long. While Rodolphe returns to his drafty old loft to attempt another few lines of a play, his friends merrily drink at the Cafe. It is no surprise that as Musette (Carol Goodner), Colline (Richard Bird), Marcel (Harold Warrender) and Schaunard (Martin Walker) chat, Mimi is present to set the next stage of events. Mimi returns to the apartment with Musette as she is now homeless. The group decide to party a little more and Mimi climbs the stairs to place her things in Musette's room. Through they keyhole, she spies Rodolphe reenacting her argument with Lamotte as potential material for a play. She trips and falls with a crash as she tries to slip away unnoticed. Rodolphe hears the commotion and jerks the door open to find Mimi once again back in his life. He immediately draws her into his room, the two instantly fall in love and Mimi moves in.
For a month or so, they live in domestic bliss but eventually Mimi begins to lay the law down. Everyday Rodolphe promises to begin writing a play but always wants to drink with friends instead. Mimi grows tired of the poverty and urges him to actually start instead of just talking about it as in the past. She also inspires the other artists to begin work on their paintings, books and poetry. Wanting to make Mimi happy, Rodolphe digs in and with much inspiration, pens the what will be famous “La Boheme” play. The others finish their projects also and with much anticipation , deliver their works for review. Rodolphe is quite discouraged as his play is casually tossed aside by the clerk at The National Theatre. Weeks go by and one by one, the artists works are refused. All except Rodolphe, who has not heard a word. Mimi decides to pay a visit to her former lover Lamotte to ask for a favor. She requests that Lamotte encourage the play review board to take a look at Rodolphe's play and he is so inclined. The big day comes and Lamotte intends to make a mockery of Rodolphe as payback. He doesn't get very far as he has a formidable foe in the form of the currently famous Madam Sidonie (Diana Napier). She finds the play (and Rodolphe) refreshing and urges the others to vote it into production with her playing the lead role. She also encourages Rodolphe to meet her for tea to “discuss” the play further. When Rodolphe tells Mimi she is instantly jealous so he avoids the meeting. Madame Sidonie is infuriated at being stood up and postpones dress rehearsal indefinitely. She finally comes round at the ball realizing the Rodolphe must be in love otherwise he never would have stood her up. Rodolphe tells her of Mimi and she wants to meet her. This is not possible as Mimi has seen the two together and flees after being provoked by Lamotte. Rodolphe searches but has no idea where to find her.
The play rehearsals proceed and Rodolphe searches for Mimi in his heartbreak. Still he cannot find her but the truth of her whereabouts finally comes out as she contacts Colline. He tells Rodolphe that Mimi is very ill and is convalescing in a nunnery. He rushes to her side to bring her home. The play finally opens but Mimi is too ill to attend.
The review of this Movie prepared by Talea
