In the throes of World War II, French innkeeper Albert Quentin (Jean Gabin) vows to stay away from alcohol if he and his wife and child survive. Many years later, Albert and his family are thriving in their small resort town of Normandy, and Albert has kept his promise to himself. However, when advertising professional Gabriel Fouquet (Jean-Paul Belmondo) comes to town, the limits of Albert's iron will are tested due to the young man's charming disposition and penchant for alcohol.