Michel, a successful television producer, returns to a nightclub one afternoon to retrieve a coat he left behind. He witnesses the murder of a man who was killed because he recognized Patrice, the head of a secret political group. Interrogated by Commissioner Malferrer, Michel claims he knows nothing of the incident. Patrice, along with the police, is aware that Michel was tortured by the Germans during the Occupation and gave away information without realizing that other members of the Resistance had done the same. Patrice, who fears that Michel might now reveal the existence of the secret political group, threatens him. Despite Malferrer's pleas for cooperation, Michel maintains his silence. Although his wife, Elsa, tries to save him, Michel is killed by one of Patrice's henchmen.