The film follows the exploits of Jacques, a car-mechanic turned pro-thief, and his Jewish co-conspirator Simon as their robberies, beginning well before the Second World War, take on a political coloration under the occupation.

For more than 15 years, two Marseille friends and criminals battle the law, rival gangs, prison authorities and even mined beaches in order to survive.

François Holin, apodado Ho, es un antiguo piloto de carreras, conductor de una banda de malhechores que no lo respetan demasiado y lo consideran un inútil. Un día se le presenta la ocasión de dirigir una operación, pero los otros se niegan. Ho tendrá que hacerlo solo.

Marceau Léonetti, a competent and energetic officer stops by chance the son of an influential lawyer driving under the influence of alcohol. A few months later, the lawyer falsely accuses Léonetti as being violent and incompetent. As a result Marceau is transferred to a small police station, where he meets young and beautiful Jeanne. Soon they are faced with a tough investigation.