Josefa (Anna Magnani) is an Italian immigrant operating a small grocery store in France. The people of the town are indifferent to her until the rumor she will receive a monetary fortune from an American gangster relation. The mayor tries to butter her up, and a stranger poses as her long-lost son. Everyone in town treats her with respect over her impending financial windfall. Eventually, the townsfolk are incited to riot and burn down her store before she escapes with the young stranger, who is really the partner of her estranged offspring, and she vents her frustrations on the hypocritical people who again turn their back on her when she doesn't produce the money. French comedian Bourvil adds his patented touches of humor.