After he steals money from his wealthy father one too many times, the rebellious François (Jean-Pierre Mocky, Litan) is forcibly committed to a psychiatric institution....

After he steals money from his wealthy father one too many times, the rebellious François (Jean-Pierre Mocky, Litan) is forcibly committed to a psychiatric institution. Labelled a delinquent and an arsonist, he endures the dehumanizing treatment reserved for society's rejects, and attempts to thwart the archaic methods of the cruel Dr. Varmont (Pierre Brasseur, Children of Paradise).

Adapted by Mocky from Hervé Bazin's shocking autobiographical novel, this poetic and furious debut feature from Georges Franju (Eyes Without a Face) features an all-star cast including Anouk Aimée (La Dolce Vita) as François's only visitor, Paul Meurisse (Diabolique) in the role of the more modern Dr. Emery, and Charles Aznavour (Shoot the Piano Player) as a long-time resident of the institution.