French war drama directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and based on the novel by Joseph Kessel. Drawing on the director's own experiences in World War II, the film follows a band of resistance fighters in German-controlled France. As the war continues, the grip of the occupying force tightens, and friendships, loyalty and trust give way to suspicion, secrecy and loss. The cast includes Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel and Simone Signoret.