Vautier, a wealthy surgeon in his fifties, falls in love with Hélène, a young woman from a modest background. He allows her to have a string of short-lived lovers - but when Jean Trapeau, an old boyfriend, resurfaces, things get complicated.
Pierre is timid while his wife is ambitious and suffers from his mediocrity. She pawns everything she owns, rents a sumptuous apartment in a palace, and through bluffing, Pierre is appointed director of a perfume factory and the enterprising Arlette sees all her desires come true.
An idealistic youth finds sincere love after having been toyed with by several frivolous women who were not serious.
