In 19th-century Paris, impoverished Jean Gabin was sentenced to 19 years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread. After he was released from prison, he was taken in overnight by the kind bishop (René Fleur), but he stole the bishop's silver. The police captured him and prepared to throw him into prison again. In the face of danger, the bishop's lies saved him. He was also reformed and began a reformed life under a pseudonym. Ten years later, Valjean worked hard to become a successful businessman and became mayor. After learning of the tragic experience of the prostitute Fantine, he took on the responsibility of taking care of his illegitimate daughter Cosette. What he didn't expect was that many years later, he would meet Bernard Blier, the police chief who had arrested him before. The other party did not believe that he had reformed and was determined to find trouble with him, but failed to succeed because of lack of evidence. However, his good luck did not last eight years later.