Nolff, a tough Breton fisherman is happy: his wife has just given birth to a son, Michel. His only wish is to make him a fisherman like him. But when he becomes a man, Michel becomes a good-for-nothing who spends his time in taverns.

Nolff est un rude pêcheur qui ne vit que pour l'océan. Il considère que tout ce qui vient de la terre est avilissant et corrompu. Il vit avec sa femme, sa fille et son fils. Ce dernier succombe aux tentations de la ville.