Two gangsters meet and combine forces during the Depression in pre-World War II France. Siffredi (Alain Delon) gets out of jail to find his prostitute girlfriend has taken up with Capella (Jean-Paul Belmondo). The two men fight before erupting into laughter, cementing their nefarious friendship. Siffredi is the cold hearted killer who wishes to rise to the top of the underworld. Capella is more easy going and would rather not use violence unless absolutely necessary. After muscling in on a mobster, the two enjoy the ill-gotten gains of the dead man's empire. They are involved in several killing and amorous affairs with beautiful French women in this crime drama with touches of humor.