Two American jazz musicians, trombonist Ram Bowen and saxophonist Eddie Cook, live and work in Paris. They savor the city's vibrant music scene while avoiding the racial and social issues of the United States. Ram dreams of becoming a serious composer, while Eddie is content with his expatriate life, enjoying the freedom and acceptance he finds in Paris. Their routine changes when they meet two American tourists, Lillian and Connie, who are visiting Paris for a short vacation. Lillian and Ram strike up a romance, while Eddie and Connie form a bond over their shared experiences of racial prejudice back home.

As their relationships deepen, both couples face the dilemma of choosing between love and their personal aspirations. The sudden appearance of Lillian and Connie brings unforeseen challenges that compel Ram and Eddie to re-evaluate their futures. The movie explores themes of artistic ambition, love, and racial identity against the backdrop of early 1960s Paris. The narrative builds up to crucial decisions that test the characters' commitments to their partners and their art.