Fanny

César runs a bar in Marseille in the early 1920s. His son Marius works with him but longs for a life at sea. Fanny, a fish-seller who loves Marius, endures his repeated rejections as she waits for him to notice her.

Encouraged by his friend the Admiral, Marius secretly signs on as a sailor for a round-the-world expedition. On the eve of departure, Fanny invites him to a Sunday-night dance, but he rejects her again. The lure of the voyage pulls him away from his old life.

Panisse, a wealthy widower, seeks to marry Fanny and asks Honorine to help. He pursues the match despite knowing Fanny loves someone else. The prospect of a secure future tempts those around them.

Fanny tells Marius that she loves him and is willing to wait. Marius tells her he will be away for five years, then they sleep together at Fanny's house. Their night together binds them with consequences for the future.

About two months after Marius leaves, Fanny discovers she is pregnant with his child. She tells Panisse, who embraces the idea of an heir and proposes marriage. César knows the baby's father and supports Panisse in planning a name for the child.

Fanny and Panisse marry, excited by the prospect of a legitimate heir. They name the baby Cesário Marius Panisse, with César in on the naming. The boy's birth ties the two families together in a complex alliance.

On Cesário's first birthday, Marius returns on a short leave and visits Fanny. He learns that Cesário is his son and apologizes to Fanny. He asks to rekindle their life, but César and Panisse stand firm.

Marius expresses his desire to be with Fanny and Cesário, but Panisse will not part with the child. Fanny loves Marius but chooses to stay protecting Cesário. Marius departs Marseille, leaving the family as it is.

Ten years pass and Cesário is approaching his tenth birthday. The Admiral takes him sailing without telling anyone and reunites him with Marius. Panisse is distressed when the boy goes missing, while Fanny is shocked by the reunion.

Marius is overjoyed to see his son again, now working in a garage. Panisse is distressed over the boy's disappearance and fears for Cesário's safety. The reunion deepens the tangled family web.

Marius announces he will leave for the United States the next day. Fanny explains why she never told him about Cesário: she hoped he would turn around, but his departure proved otherwise. Their conversation clarifies their conflicting desires for the future.

Panisse lies dying and dictates a letter to Marius, asking him to marry Fanny and be a father to Cesário. He asks that Cesário keep the Panisse name, linking the two families through duty and legacy. The letter leaves Marius with a difficult choice about his future.