Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), an American, ex-GI artist living in Paris’s bohemian Left Bank. He is attempting to establish himself in his chosen profession, with little luck. He pals around with fellow expatriate Adam Cook (Oscar Levant), a would-be composer struggling as just as hard and complaining constantly about it. Mulligan’s fortunes change when he meets a seductive and wealthy American woman (Nina Foch) who wishes to patronize him. But Mulligan’s life is changed when he suddenly meets a young woman who becomes his muse. Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron) is both beautiful and engaged, but Mulligan is determined to woo her and win her, even if it alienates his benefactor.