A famed 17th century writer courageously makes enemies of France's polite society by exposing their hypocrisies in political pamphlets. But his bravery in politics does not extend to romance. Cyrano de Bergerac, pining away for love of his cousin Roxanne, refuses to reveal his affections for fear that she will find his grotesque form unappealing. Instead, Cyrano teaches the beautiful but stupid Christian how to woo Roxanne. Though she initially finds Christian attractive, it is his beautiful poetry and gorgeously written letters -- all penned by Cyrano -- that win her heart.