In this poetic slice-of-life film that reveals the problems and needs of a group of lowlife characters, unwed mother Vivaine (Dominique Labourier) falls in love with working-class youth Francois (Patrick Chesnais) who has a shady past. Albert (Philippe Noiret), a no-good insurance con-artist, poses for many years as Francois' friend, but tragedy ensues when Albert comes between the lovers, and Francois and Albert resort to physical violence to settle their differences.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Philippe NoiretAlbert | Albert |
 Dominique LabourierViviane | Viviane |
 Patrick ChesnaisFrançois | François |
 Suzanne FlonMan-Louise | Man-Louise |
| FFabrice PlucienneckJustin | Justin |
 Catherine LachensRoseline | Roseline |
 Françoise LugagnePeggy | Peggy |
 Monique ChaumetteHonorine | Honorine |
 Liliane RovèreMadeleine | Madeleine |
| EEmmanuelle StochlFrancette | Francette |
 Maurice JacquemontMr. Masure | Mr. Masure |
 Dominique MarcasMrs Masure | Mrs Masure |
| SSigmund GraaArmand | Armand |
| JJacques RenardYves | Yves |