Antonio, leader of the Spanish guerrillas in 1812, is wounded during an attack on a patrol of the Napoleonic occupying force in his country, and he takes refuge with Carmen, his mistress, a cabaret singer. That evening, while Carmen is singing in the tavern, she meets and becomes infatuated with José, a French sergeant. Micaela, a jealous woman rejected by Antonio, betrays him to the French, and he is captured despite Carmen's attempt to thwart the arrest. Several nights later, while Carmen is entertaining the French troops, Antonio is freed by his men. Carmen is accused of taking part in the escape plot, and in an effort to defend her, José shoots the French colonel. Forced to flee, José and Carmen join Antonio, whose jealousy leads the two men into a fight in which José is severely wounded. Just then the French storm the rebel hideout, and Carmen and José escape back to Carmen's room, seen only by Micaela. Micaela finds José alone, convinces him of Carmen's intention to betray him, and goes to the French headquarters to disclose the location of José's hideout. As the French arrive at the tavern, José confronts Carmen; but before she can respond, the French open fire, and Carmen throws herself in the path of a bullet meant for José. José dies with Carmen just as Antonio and his men launch their offensive.