Gabin, the quintessential tough-guy, and Moreau, resplendent as always, pair up for this heist film, one of the best of the French gangster films of the 1950s. In it, Gabin is an aging thief who has already pulled off what he thinks was his last big job, scoring enough gold to last him through his twilight years. Unfortunately, one of his partners' girlfriends has taken up with the boss of a rival gang and he quickly learns about the big score. Soon, Max's best friend is kidnapped and held for ransom. The blackmail scheme soon turns into a battle of wits between Max and the rival gang that includes a number of double-crosses and, inevitably, leads to tragic finish.