In the year 1849, on the remote French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a tragic incident unfolds when two sailors, after being rescued, indulge in alcohol and commit an act of violence, resulting in the death of a man. Following their arrest, a trial ensues, leading to a harsh sentence. While one of the sailors succumbs to life's trials in custody, the other, Néel, finds himself in a precarious position, awaiting execution in a place devoid of a guillotine or executioner.
Néel is detained in the army barracks under the watch of the Captain, who is devoted to his wife, known as Madame La. With no children of her own, she develops an interest in the convict, seeking to redeem him. Under her nurturing guidance, Néel engages in hard work and performs good deeds, gradually earning the islanders' respect. Despite his transformation, the authorities remain resolute in their decision that he must face the gallows.
As time passes, a year goes by before the news reaches the islands that an old guillotine is en route from Martinique. However, by this point, Néel has undergone a significant change; he has learned to read and unexpectedly becomes a father through a brief affair with a grieving widow he assisted. In a shocking act against regulations, the Captain arranges for a priest to wed the couple, inciting the ire of the authorities.
When the long-awaited guillotine finally arrives, its rudder sustains damage, prompting the island's men, including Néel, to lend their strength in towing it to shore using rowboats. In a critical moment, Madame La, witnessing Néel's powerful rowing, fills a boat with provisions and urges him to escape to the British island of Newfoundland. Nevertheless, in a poignant act of loyalty, he chooses to return to his cell instead.
As the situation escalates, the islanders refuse to take on the ghastly role of executioner. Consequently, a newcomer is forced into the position under the threat of deportation. In a brave stand, the Captain informs the authorities that he will not command his men to fire upon the citizens who obstruct the impending execution. This act of defiance leads to his transfer to a warship destined for France, where he faces a court-martial, with Madame La choosing to accompany him.
Tragically, the Captain is ultimately sentenced to death and meets his end by a firing squad. Back on Saint-Pierre, when the anticipated execution finally takes place, the old guillotine malfunctions, forcing the authorities to resort to the grim method of beheading Néel with an axe.
