The film portrays the events on the day King Henri III of France arranged for Duke Henri de Guise to be murdered.
A barge captain saves Marinette from drowning and soon marries her. On the wedding day, Sylvestre, the captain’s best friend, falls in love with Marinette.
The melodramatic story of a widow, Marie Paradis, as she becomes an elderly dependant. Taking charge is her daughter-in-law, the cruel and stingy Céleste. Marie answers to all the stereotypes of the traditional mother: she's generous, loving.
