During a winter storm, Ursus offers shelter to two orphans, Gwynplaine and Déa; some years later, they are still living together. Gwynplaine has become a famous star, but his success threatens his relationships with Déa and Ursus.

Marie Heurtin is born both blind and deaf. Sister Marguerette wins her trust and teaches her how to express herself.

Depressed by his loneliness, Paul-André, a shy and wealthy man, offers to rent the family of a good-natured woman with two kids in exchange of settling his debts.