On a foggy highway a lonely soldier hitches a ride and ends up in a lonely bar on the outskirts of town. The soldier (Jean Gabin) a deserter on the run meets sad runaway Nelly (Michele Morgan) and falls in love. He becomes entwined in the troubles of her life notably the lascivious guardian (Michel Simon) who lusts after Nelly and attempts to blackmail Jean and a cocky hot-headed gangster (Pierre Brasseur) who tries to scare Jean off.