Monsieurs Richard and Moncharmin have recently bought Paris Opera House, where the retiring manager warns them that they may hear stories about the Opera Ghost who always sits in Box 5. The new owners laugh at such childishness, but soon strange incidents begin to occur. Joseph Buquet, a stagehand, has seen the Phantom, and describes him as a faceless man with no nose. One evening, Carlotta, the prima donna of the opera, is mysteriously taken ill and her role is played by Christine.