A lawyer defends his client so brilliantly that this one is released at once. But if the attorney expected thanks, he can only be disappointed as his client not only does not show him his gratitude but he reprimands him bluntly as well. The thing would be surprising if one did not specify that the accused, in order to escape all the small domestic worries, WANTED to be sent to prison. As compensations, the client finally settles down at the lawyer's!

Young Gervaise has been very unhappy since her friend abandoned her. The man named Coupeau, a sympathetic roofing worker, takes her under his protection and tries to make her forget her dramatic breakup. But Coupeau is unable to free himself from alcoholism and soon Gervaise finds herself on the street.

A mother of three escapes the death sentence during her poisoning trial. After spending ten years in prison, she finds her children and rebuilds her family.