The Emmaüs community opened and functioned thanks to the generous impetus of Abbé Pierre Groues, bringing together a cross-section of the underprivileged: unemployed truck drivers, former paratroopers, young people leaving prison, etc., and underprivileged families. The "ragpickers" manage to make a bit of money by practicing the art of "chine", while the abbé tries his hand at winning radio games. The accident and death of one of them will unite the Emmaus companions even more.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Pierre MondyThomas | Thomas |
 André ReybazAbbot Pierre | Abbot Pierre |
 Zappy MaxSelf | Self |
 Jacques FabbriMatthieu, cop | Matthieu, cop |
 Gaby MorlayMademoiselle | Mademoiselle |
 Madeleine RobinsonMadame Vatier | Madame Vatier |
 Gregori ChmaraCrincrin | Crincrin |
| EEdwige BartLittle Marie | Little Marie |
 Dany CarrelSuzy Vatier | Suzy Vatier |
 Solange CertainMadame Thomas | Madame Thomas |
| MMarie d'HyvertMadame Marchand | Madame Marchand |
 Edmond ArdissonCasino | Casino |
 André ChanuDoctor | Doctor |
 Jean ClarieuxMonsieur Vatier | Monsieur Vatier |
 Robert DarèneJudge | Judge |
 Yves DeniaudDjibouti | Djibouti |
 Émile GenevoisFilot | Filot |
 Paul GuersAndré | André |
 Guy HenryTonio | Tonio |
| PPierre JaubertEtienne | Etienne |
 Bernard LajarrigePhilippe, legionnaire | Philippe, legionnaire |
 Jean-Jacques LécotMechanic | Mechanic |
 Charles Moulin'Kangourou' | 'Kangourou' |
 François PatriceHenri | Henri |
 Pierre TrabaudPara | Para |
 Julien VerdierBastien | Bastien |
| EEmmett 'Babe' WallaceBeggar | Beggar |
 Jacques Butin(uncredited) | (uncredited) |
 Henri CoganBrawler (uncredited) | Brawler (uncredited) |
 Gil DelamareThug (uncredited) | Thug (uncredited) |