The Moulin Rouge was the trendiest, most popular nightclub at its time. The owner, Harold Zidler, kept his patrons entertained with his dancers, who were also known as the "Diamond Dogs". But with so many expenses in a nightclub, he was in need of a financier... one which would later become the Duke of Monroth, a very powerful and rich man. Zidler's most popular star was Satine, the beautiful "Sparkling Diamond". Every man wanted her, every woman wanted to be her. Every man, including the Duke. Zidler then planned a private meeting with Satine and the Duke, desperate to keep his beloved Moulin Rouge from closing down.

In order for the Bohemians to have "Spectacular, Spectacular" shown at the Moulin Rouge, Christian had to first convince Satine of the play's potential. So Toulouse arranged for him to meet with Satine. Not only did he convince her, but his beautiful words and charm made her fall completely in love with him. Ironically, Satine mistook Christian for the Duke, whom which she was supposed to meet and seduce at that time. When she discovered that Christian was not the Duke, Satine tried to deny her feelings for Christian. But true love is impossible to fight...

The Duke later agrees to provide the finances for "Spectacular, Spectacular", on the condition that Satine be exclusively his. As Christian and Satine fall deeper and deeper in love, they have to hide their feelings from the easily jealous Duke. With so many obstacles in their way, it seems that Satine and Christian's love is doomed from the start. But their love is so strong that no obstacle, not even death, could stand in their way.