A square in Sevilla, soldiers are whiling away the time in front of their guardhouse, with their captain Zuniga who is very well known among the ladies. In a change of guards, Don José is about to take Zuniga’s place. The women from the factory pour into the square, eagerly watched by the men. Carmen enters and immediately recognizes José as a newcomer who, on the other hand, shows no notice of her at first, but her affection is burned into his memory.
Micaela who is longing for Don Josè’s love is bringing a letter from his mother in which she expresses her wishes that Micaela becomes his wife.
Carmen is lazy to work her shift and an argument between her and Fernanda breaks out in the factory. Attracted by the noise, the crowd storms inside. Carmen has injured Fernanda, who accuses her to José and he escorts Carmen to custody.
Carmen seduces Don José and promising to spend the night with him, persuades him to let her go. Don José remains torn between desire and his sense of duty. Her best friend Mercedes helps her escape. When Zuniga finds out that José failed to fulfill his duty, he discharges him, and goes after Carmen.
Having escaped custody, Carmen and her friends are celebrating the arrival of the re- nowned torero Escamillo who is immediately attracted to Carmen, and vice versa. After spending a night with Escamillo, Zuniga finds Carmen alone. He attacks her and tries to rape her, but José comes to save her and shoots Zuniga.
Micaela visits José in prison bringing him the sad news that his mother has passed away. In his sadness he tells Micaela to marry another and sends her away. Daydream- ing his prison time away, José is imagining a perfect version of his Carmen.
A square in Seville outside the arena, shortly before the bullfight. Escamillo enters with his large entourage and Carmen at his side. Don José is out of prison and looking for her, hiding in the crowd. All enter the arena, Carmen remains behind with José.
She refuses to go back to him, she wants to keep her freedom and not be bound to obey anybody. José’s jealousy drives him crazy and he stabs Carmen as Escamillo‘s victory is being celebrated in the arena. He collapses over her body in despair.
Micaela visits José in prison bringing him the sad news that his mother has passed away. In his sadness he tells Micaela to marry another and sends her away. Daydream- ing his prison time away, José is imagining a perfect version of his Carmen.
A square in Seville outside the arena, shortly before the bullfight. Escamillo enters with his large entourage and Carmen at his side. Don José is out of prison and looking for her, hiding in the crowd. All enter the arena, Carmen remains behind with José.
She refuses to go back to him, she wants to keep her freedom and not be bound to obey anybody. José’s jealousy drives him crazy and he stabs Carmen as Escamillo‘s victory is being celebrated in the arena. He collapses over her body in despair.