Although he's a wanted man in his homeland of France, onetime crime boss Abel Davos (Lino Ventura) decides to return to Paris with his family. After contacting former associates, Abel is sent young Eric Stark (Jean-Paul Belmondo) to help him make the trip across the border. With just their criminal ties in common, wily thug Abel and charming up-and-comer Eric develop a bond through the course of their tense journey.