Outside a movie premiere enthusiastic fan Peppy Miller literally bumps into the swashbuckling hero of the silent film George Valentin. The star reacts graciously and Peppy plants a kiss on his cheek as they are surrounded by photographers. The headlines demand Whos That Girl and Peppy is inspired to audition for a dancing bit part at the studio. However as Peppy slowly rises through the industry the introduction of talking pictures turns Valentins world upside down.