In 1890s Paris, the Palais Garnier is believed to be haunted by an entity known as "The Phantom" or "The Opera Ghost." One day, the stage hand, Joseph Bouquet, is found hanged, presumably by The Phantom, after boasting about him to the corps de ballet. At the same time, Christine Daae, a young Swedish soprano, has been tutored by what she believes to be "the Angel of Music," sent by her deceased father. On the night of the old manager's retirement, she understudies at the gala performance for the Opera's leading soprano, Carlotta, and her performance is an astonishing success.