Alex Berthier would love to be a famous songwriter. Meanwhile, he has to cope with unemployment, a witty 12 years old son and a rich and cute heiress who tries to help Alex as much as he tries to escape her: she brings nothing but trouble ! Fortunately, luck will strike again.

October 1980, Jacques is preparing to spend his last night as a civilian before being called up for the Algerian War. When he wakes up, the young man realizes he has missed his train and finds himself a deserter against his will. What follows are 48 hours locked in his maid's room, 48 hours during which he meets Elie, a young activist.