The film begins in 1658, when the French actor and playwright returns to Paris with his theatrical troupe to perform in the theatre Philippe I, Duke of Orléans has given him. Most of the film is in the form of a Flashback (narrative) to 1645. Following an unsuccessful run as a tragic actor, Molière is released from debtor's prison by Monsieur Jourdain, a wealthy commoner with social pretensions, who agrees to pay the young actor's debts if Molière teaches him to act.