A Man and a Woman

Anne Gauthier balances raising her daughter Françoise after her husband's death with work as a film script supervisor. She splits her time between Paris and Deauville, where Françoise attends boarding school. The arrangement sets the emotional rhythm of separation and memory that frames the story.

Anne misses the last train back to Paris and is given a lift by a stranger, Jean-Louis. They quickly become acquainted during the drive, and the connection is clear from the start. He asks if she would drive up together the following weekend, and she gives him her phone number.

After a busy week at the track preparing for the next race, Jean-Louis calls and they meet early Sunday morning and drive to Deauville in the rain. The encounter deepens their mutual attraction as they begin to know each other. The drive marks the start of a romance that transcends their past losses.

They share a pleasant lunch with their children, who get along well, reinforcing the possibility of a blended future. Anne and Jean-Louis begin to imagine a shared life beyond their losses. The mood is warm and hopeful.

That afternoon they go on a boat ride followed by a walk on the beach at sunset. The moment crystallizes their growing bond and mutual longing. It confirms that their connection has moved beyond casual affection.

Jean-Louis competes in the Monte Carlo Rally along icy roads of the French Riviera. Among 273 starters, only 42 finish, including his white Mustang, number 145. Anne follows the race on television, waiting for news and cheering him on.

At a dinner for the drivers at the Monte Carlo Casino, Anne sends a telegram to Jean-Louis that reads 'Bravo! I love you. Anne.' The message prompts him to abandon hesitation and chase the connection. He leaves the dinner immediately to drive toward her.

Jean-Louis jumps into the other Mustang and drives through the night to Paris, convinced that love warrants urgent action. He imagines the reunion as he travels, fueling his determination. His course is driven by the telegram and the hope it sparked.

The racer continues north and learns that Anne is in Deauville, so he keeps going and finally arrives there. He finds Anne and the two children on the beach, and their eyes meet in a moment of relief and recognition.

After dropping the children at boarding school, they drive into town, rent a room, and share a passionate night. The intensity reveals both their desire and the fragility of their attachment. The emotional stakes are heightened by their past losses.

In the quiet aftermath, Anne senses lingering memories of her deceased husband and feels uncertain about continuing the romance. She decides that taking the train back to Paris is the best option for now. This moment of hesitation underscores the inner conflict tearing at her.

Meanwhile, Jean-Louis drives south through the French countryside toward the Paris train station, following the pull of their connection. He is determined to reach her again, even as the distance between them grows. The journey signals a hopeful but vulnerable crossroads.

As Anne's train arrives in Paris, Jean-Louis reaches the city at roughly the same moment. She spots him, hesitates briefly, and then walks toward him, and they embrace. The film closes on their renewed embrace, suggesting a future together.