Emile Magis, a modest employee, more or less ostracized by the others, would like only one thing, to be happy. Little by little he realizes that life in society is a matter of convention, lies and deception. When he has understood that cynicism rules the world, he decides to play by its untold rules and to take his revenge.

Guy Bedos
Emile Magis

Jean Rochefort
Victor Dugommier

Marie Dubois
Hortense Berthoullet

Michel Galabru
Gaston Berthoullet

Bernadette Lafont
Rose

Renaud Mary
General advocate
France Gabriel
Madame Berthoullet

Lyne Chardonnet
Charlotte Berthoullet

Catherine Hubeau
Lucie Berthoullet
Philippe Defrance
Henri

Alexandre Rignault
Uncle Émile

Renée Gardès
Aunt Picolette

Denise Péron
Magis' mother
Bérangère Etcheverry
Justine Magis

Maurice Risch
Gustave