Pierre Dupin, a young, naive medical student and detective, Pierre's fiancée Camille L'Espanaye, and their friends Paul and Mignette, visit Mirakle's sideshow, where he exhibits Erik. Both Mirakle and his servant Janos are enchanted by Camille, who Mirakle plans as a mate for Erik. Mirakle invites Camille to take a closer look at Erik, who grabs her bonnet.
Pierre Dupin, an inexperienced medical student and detective, accompanied by his fiancée Camille L'Espanaye and friends Paul and Mignette, visits Mirakle's carnival exhibit, where he showcases Erik. Both Mirakle and his servant Janos are infatuated with Camille, whom Mirakle intends to pair with Erik. Mirakle invites Camille to inspect Erik more closely, who suddenly seizes her hat.