Adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre's trilogy. Paris, 1938. A city famous for its 'characters', a city between the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Hitler, a city where Mathieu and Marcelle live.
Mathieu tries to arrange an abortion for his mistress Marcelle, and needs money fast. Then he takes Ivich to an art exhibition and kisses her for the first time.
Mathieu fails to borrow the money he needs to help Marcelle. He arranges a meeting with Ivich and Boris to hear Lola sing, while Daniel visits Mathieu's mistress.
Ivich and Mathieu seal their relationship with a blood bond. They arrange to meet at 10 o'clock, but before then, Mathieu has to give Brunet an answer.
Ivich rejects Mathieu, and Boris leaves Lola. Daniel tells Marcelle that Mathieu still loves her, but Mathieu is still trying to borrow the money for an abortion.
Ivich has failed her exams, and Mathieu has failed to persuade her to stay in Paris. He has just stolen money for an abortion and given it to Marcelle.
Daniel tells Mathieu he has proposed to Marcelle. Mathieu fails to Marcelle from marrying Daniel. Meanwhile, events in Europe are moving towards a crisis.
Marcelle and Daniel are married, and Lola and Boris reconciled. Mathieu stays with Jacques and Odette, while Chamberlain and Daladier meet Hitler. Then, Mathieu is called up.
Hitler gives a provocative speech, aimed at Czechoslovakia, and mobilization continues. Ivich returns to Paris and gone to Mathieu's flat, only to find him leaving to report for duty.
Europe is at war, and Mathieu has been mobilised. As the German army advances across France and nears Paris, the unit Mathieu is serving with becomes increasingly demoralised.
The Germans have occupied Paris, but the expected armistice has still not been signed. Mathieu's unit is waiting in a village to surrender. Pinette hopes that they will fight.
The officers in Mathieu's unit have deserted. As they await being captured, the men decide to get drunk. Mathieu decides to join them.
A crack French regiment has taken over the village and plans to make a last stand. Mathieu and Pinette are the only soldiers in their unit prepared to join them.