François Cardinaud is one of the richest shipowners in the region. But this success arouses resentment and jealousy. When Marthe, his wife, leaves the home without warning, Cardinaud sees her life cracking little by little.

After thirty years of effort, the former longshoreman François Cardinaud has become one of the most powerful men in the port of La Rochelle. On the occasion of a runaway from his wife Marthe with a young thug Mimile, he meets only contempt and hostility. The whole city is delighted to see Cardinaud flouted. Marthe found, Cardinaud forgives him and becomes again the man feared by all. From now on, he will think more of the happiness of his wife.