Arnal, nicknamed 'Counselor' is the head of a family held in high esteem by the people of a Cevennes village. Now, the dignified man, who is the respected arbitrator of local disputes, has adopted Clémence, a deaf-mute girl. The day when Maurice, Arnal's son, starts a love affair with his stepsister, trouble begins...

In the Cévennes, Tabusse is a figure of the village. Angry and but also in love, he goes through many adventures.

In Marseille, a customs inspector falls in love with a young woman involved in dubious traffic.