In this film version of Verdi's opera, Violetta (Teresa Stratas) meets Alfredo (Placido Domingo) and quickly falls for him. After the lovers run away together, they live in bliss for a short time. However, Alfredo's father, Giorgio (Cornell MacNeil), starts to interfere, concerned that Violetta's bad reputation will affect the marriage prospects of Alfredo's sister. Violetta reluctantly leaves Alfredo, but his love is so strong that it leads him to actions that have tragic consequences.