A woman of the world has fallen in love with a metalworker, and one evening gives herself to him. Some time later, the worker becomes blind. One last time, he will touch with his hands the machines with which he will no longer work while the countess returns to her life of pleasures.

Cruchadouze and Castaniet are two inseparable friends. One day they decide to leave Arcachon to try the adventure in Bordeaux. After various odd jobs, they come into contact with Betty Florent, the banker's wife. This one has just been contacted by a former accomplice who blackmails him by offering him an insurance scam. A big bonus on the head of a simpleton. Cruchadouze was passing by.

The farmer Remy has just invented a new fertilizer and spies are trying to seize his documents, taking him for the famous Remy, inventor of a device of interest to national defence.

Thanks to a bit of string-pulling by his aunt, Jean du Bois d'Ombelles, a young recruit who has blue blood in his veins, hopes to go through a nice and comfortable military service. Unfortunately he becomes Corporal Bourrache's pet aversion. Nevertheless, against all expectations, Jean ends up taking a liking for military life.