
In 1950s communist Czechoslovakia, a government minister, a war veteran long a loyal party man, leads a relatively comfortable life with his wife. However, he soon finds himself under surveillance, then under arrest. Unclear what his offense is, agents for the totalitarian regime interrogate and torture him, aiming to use their unending power to gain a false confession for these supposed crimes against the state.

Yves Montand
Gérard

Simone Signoret
Lise

Gabriele Ferzetti
Kohoutek

Michel Vitold
Smola

Jean Bouise
Boss of Factory

Michel Beaune
Lawyer

Jacques Rispal
Former Secretary

Antoine Vitez
Communist Friend

Michel Robin
Attorney General

László Szabó
Secret Policeman
Guy Mairesse
Doctor

Marc Eyraud
Politician

Gérard Darrieu
Policeman

Umberto Raho
Jaretzki

Georges Aubert
Tonda