Gervaise Macquart is a beautiful Parisian laundress and mother whose lover, Lantier, walks out on her. She eventually marries Henri Coupeau, a roofer who has an unfortunate accident. As her now crippled husband descends into alcoholism, Gervaise tries to make ends meet on her own. Life becomes even more complicated when Lantier returns and befriends Henri. Meanwhile, the man she really loves is sent to prison.

Suzy Delair
Virginie Poisson, une rivale de Gervaise

Armand Mestral
Lantier, l'amant de Gervaise

Florelle
Maman Coupeau

Micheline Luccioni
Clémence