The Provence, somewhere in the 1950's. Paul Verdier, traveling salesman, leaves his home and his quarrelsome wife for his weekly round. On the train he meets a young woman, Marie, who looks a little lost. No wonder. Marie is pregnant but lacks the customary husband. She's returning to her village...
In a small village, a farmer discovers his wife has committed suicide, but suspicions of murder arise, dividing the community. Amidst the conflict, he develops feelings for a young woman who is the sister of a man harboring a personal grudge against him.
The maid of a clandestine brothel in Marseille is found murdered. The inspector Sergil, in charge of the investigation will employ somewhat particular methods in order to unmask the assassin.
The action takes place on the coast of the eastern Pyrenees near the Spanish border. Mario Balducci escaped from prison, after settling his account with his former accomplice who had given him away, he joins his ex-mistress, Mado, a bellowing singer who he asks to help him get to Spain.
