Carmen is the basis of one of the post popular operas in the world, one that has been filmed more than any other. Yet even many fans of the opera don't know that this classic story is based on an equally exciting novella. Set in 1820s Spain, it tells the tragic tale of Don Jose, a na¯ve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen. Carmen contains all the key events in the opera, including gripping Zorro-like action scenes with sword-fights and horse chases. It even contains plot lines that never made into the opera.