This film paints a portrait of Gilbert Valance (Piccoli) who was one of the titans of the French stage and screen. In his last years, he is told his wife, daughter and son-in-law have died in a car accident. He is given charge of his 6-year-old grandson whom he adores. He appears to meet the challenge or raising the cute young lad but his bigger test lies in his career. He accepts a small role from American director and after faltering on the job, he begins to accept the end of his career.