Having lost his physician's license, Dr. Louis Krantz joins a gang of hoods to treat their wounded. When his son falls ill and needs expensive medical help, Louis decides to participate in a hold-up with the gang. Unfortunately for them, the robbery goes wrong. The gang boss, persuaded that Louis has betrayed them, decides to gun him down.

Jean Nerac completes his medical studies, sure of a successful career, but less sure of his attempts with fellow student Marianne, who refuses to accept him. Nerac leaves for the Auvergne. An old doctor will soon die, but replacing him will be difficult, as one of Jean's colleagues has failed. However, with patience, skill, modesty and friendship, Jean Nerac overcame the mistrust of his patients. He settled in these austere mountains, and Marianne, convinced of the young man's worth, helped him with her presence.

The lover of an Italian revolutionary offers herself to Napoleon in exchange for her sweetheart's life.