The Emmaüs community opened and functioned thanks to the generous impetus of Abbé Pierre Groues, bringing together a cross-section of the underprivileged: unemployed truck drivers, former paratroopers, young people leaving prison, etc., and underprivileged families. The "ragpickers" manage to make a bit of money by practicing the art of "chine", while the abbé tries his hand at winning radio games. The accident and death of one of them will unite the Emmaus companions even more.

Working for a stock-car team, Robert dreams of becoming a racing driver himself. For a long time this is only a pipe dream until one day fortune smiles on him when he saves the life of a young woman. Gisèle, the young lady in question, happens to be the daughter of a car manufacturer. Robert and Gisèle fall for each other and decide to marry. They get on quite well except on one point: Gisèle does not want her husband to take part in car races. But passion is the strongest and, breaking the ban, Gilbert wins the La Baule car event. Overcoming her aversion, Gisèle finally allows her husband to pursue his brilliant career.

A seasoned lady-killer introduces a series of Decameronic vignettes about men's resourcefulness in seducing women and the price some of them have to pay for it.