A burglar, Bob Duchemin, is charged with murder following a mysterious settling of accounts. Suspicion also falls on the manager of a cabaret on the Champs-Elysées, as well as the owner of the establishment, Enrico. But Bob is also found guilty and sentenced to twenty years' hard labor. Soon abandoned by his fiancée, Lili, Bob learns that she has become Enrico's mistress, one of the attractions at the Tipico. The young singer's affair quickly makes her an international star. For his part, Bob escapes and seeks revenge. He meets a young pure freak who dissuades him from carrying out his murder plans. Bob kills Enrico anyway, but in self-defense. Afterwards, having been found innocent, he will be able to "remake his life" with the pure young girl.

Historical film directed and written by Sacha Guitry follows the the history of Paris from its founding through the significant events in the city's history.