The story begins when Christian defies his father and moves to Paris so he can write. But when some unexpected visitors fall through his roof (literally), he finds himself among the people of the Moulin Rouge. When asked to write this nightclub's spectacular, he finds himself in love with Satine, the highest paid star and courtesen of the Moulin Rouge. This opts for trouble when the Duke of France finds himself coveting Satine. And, in the words of Satine, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend"...