Charles-Edmond, the eldest of the Larmentiel brothers, decides to return to La Rochelle, his hometown to die there. Forty years earlier he had been driven out by his father. Before passing away, the old eccentric announces that he has a hidden son, Émile, a fisherman to whom he wishes to bequeath his property. François, the younger brother, whom Charles-Edmond hates, is eyeing the inheritance to bail out the powerful family business, a veritable fishing trust, and will try to appropriate the affection and property of this inopportune heir. Émile, meanwhile, is too busy arguing with Fernande, a beugland singer, to suspect what awaits him...
Lino Ventura
as Émile Bouet
Annie Girardot
as Fernande Malanpin
Pierre Brasseur
as François Larmentiel
Michel Simon
as Charles-Edmond Larmentiel
Jacques Monod
as Maître Lamazure
Joëlle Bernard
as Camille, boss of La Marine
Marcel Bernier
as Plevedic, fisherman-mechanic
Étienne Bierry
as Marcellin
Dominique Davray
as Boss of the Mistigri café-restaurant
Jean Gaven
as Fisherman
André Dalibert
as Gendarme
Jacques Hilling
as Record player salesman
