The directorial debut of Claude Chabrol, this drama centers on Francois Baillou (Jean-Claude Brialy), who has returned to his small hometown after years away. When Francois reconnects with Serge (Gérard Blain), a close friend from his youth, he discovers that his old buddy is married to the lovely Yvonne (Michèle Méritz), but is depressed and frequently drunk. Concerned about Serge, Francois tries to discover what’s at the root of his worrisome behavior.