A crack French regiment has taken over the village and plans to make a last stand there. Mathieu and Pinette are the only members of their demoralised unit who want to join them.

Mathieu's unit has been deserted by the officers and the men are getting drunk awaiting capture. Mathieu decides to join them.

The Germans have occupied Paris but the expected armistice has still not been signed. Mathieu's unit is waiting in a village to surrender but Pinette hopes that they will fight.

Mathieu has been mobilised and Europe is at war. The unit Mathieu is serving with has been demoralised as the German advance across France nears Paris.

Hitler has made a provocative speech against Czechoslovakia and mobilisation continues. Ivich has returned to Paris and gone to Mathieu's flat to find him leaving to report for army duty.

Marcelle and Daniel are married and Lola and Boris reconciled. Mathieu has been staying with Jacques and Odette while Chamberlain and Daladier meet Hitler. Mathieu has been called up.

Daniel has proposed to Marcelle and told Mathieu who, because of Daniel's homosexuality, has tried to dissuade her - but failed. Meanwhile European events move towards a crisis, and towards Munich.

Ivich has failed her examinations and Mathieu has failed to persuade her to stay in Paris. He has also just stolen money for an abortion and given it to Marcelle.

Ivich and Mathieu have deliberately cut their hands, thereby achieving a bond. They have arranged to meet at ten o'clock, but before then Mathieu has to give Brunet an answer.

Mathicu has not been able to borrow the money he needs. He has arranged to meet Ivich and Boris to hear Lola sing. Daniel visits Marcelle.

Mathieu is trying to arrange an abortion for his mistress Marcelle. and needs money quickly. He takes Ivich to an art exhibition and kisses her for the first time.

Paris, 1938: a city famous for its ' characters,' a city between the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Hitler. A city where Mathieu lives - and Marcelle exists.