Max, who dreams of adventures, abandons his studies at 18 to become involved in the navy. He becomes the sailor 512.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Dominique SandaThe Commander / Mireille | The Commander / Mireille |
 Jacques PenotMax | Max |
 Bruno CremerCommander Roger | Commander Roger |
 Laure DuthilleulColette | Colette |
 Michel PiccoliNarrator (voice) | Narrator (voice) |
 Tchéky KaryoThe scarred one / André | The scarred one / André |
| PPaul AllioAspirant Denis | Aspirant Denis |
 Christiane CohendyLina Colomba | Lina Colomba |
 Charles-Roger BourLieutenant | Lieutenant |
 Christine LaurentPaillette | Paillette |
| GGeorge MathisMilitary brothel keeper | Military brothel keeper |
| CCécile MazanBartender | Bartender |
 Yvonne GamyOld Lady | Old Lady |
| MMyrtille ButtnerYoung woman | Young woman |
| MMichel GrisoniOlder Man | Older Man |
 Anik BelaubreNurse | Nurse |
| CClaude BoucheryNorth Africa General | North Africa General |
 Jean MaurelMarket gardener | Market gardener |
 Gérard MeylanCommissioner | Commissioner |
| AAndré NeytonColonial Officer | Colonial Officer |
| GGeorges PerpesDoctor | Doctor |
 Georges RostanBookmaker | Bookmaker |
| EEdmond TrabucHospital guard | Hospital guard |