Tony Malatini, a puppeteer, at Paris' Theatre des Marionettes notices that his audience consists of only 7 people. He visits his successful competitor on the corner to see why people are drawn to it. After seeing Suzanne, the competitors popular dancer, Tony is mesmerized by her. He goes backstage to see her and asks her if he can make a puppet of her to use in his show. Over-hearing this, the Baron, Suzanne's controlling manager, castigates Suzanne threatening to set her free. Suzanne terrified of being on her own, begs the Baron to marry her and not to leave her. Tony comes during one of Suzanne's performances and begs her not to marry the Baron. Upset, Suzanne falls into the orchestra pit and injures herself to the extent that she won't dance again. Baron leaves Suzanne, but Tony with a doctor's help puts her through a vigorous exercise program. Tony also shows her how to be a puppeteer. Tony confesses to Suzanne that his true friends are his puppets.