The Widow of Saint-Pierre

In 1849, on the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, two sailors are rescued but quickly indulge in alcohol. This leads to an act of violence wherein one man is killed, setting off a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

Following their violent actions, the two sailors are arrested and put on trial. The court delivers a harsh sentence, marking the beginning of their suffering as they face the consequences of their reckless behavior.

One sailor succumbs to the harsh realities of prison life, while the other, named Néel, is left awaiting execution. He finds himself in a state of despair as he realizes that the location has neither a guillotine nor an executioner to carry out the sentence.

The Captain watches over Néel in custody while tending to his wife, Madame La, who takes an unusual interest in the convict. She seeks to redeem him, perhaps motivated by her inability to have children of her own.

Under the nurturing guidance of Madame La, Néel begins to engage in hard work and good deeds. As he transforms from a convict to a respected member of the community, the islanders begin to view him in a new light.

A year later, news arrives that an old guillotine from Martinique is being sent to the island. By this time, Néel has not only learned to read but has become a father due to a brief affair with a grieving widow.

The Captain, defying the rules, arranges for a priest to marry Néel and the widow. This surprising act sparks the ire of the authorities, who are determined to enforce the law of execution despite the new developments.

When the guillotine finally arrives, damage to its rudder necessitates assistance from the islanders. Néel joins the other men as they work together to tow the heavy apparatus ashore using rowboats.

Amidst the preparations for execution, Madame La provides Néel with provisions and urges him to escape to Newfoundland. Caught between freedom and duty, Néel makes the poignant decision to return to his cell, showcasing his loyalty.

As tensions rise, the islanders refuse to take on the role of executioner. This spurs one newcomer into the role under the threat of being deported, revealing the desperation and complexities of their situation.

In a courageous act, the Captain confronts the authorities, declaring he will not command his men to fire upon citizens opposing the execution. This defiance leads to his removal to a warship set for France, facing grave consequences.

The Captain is ultimately sentenced to death and executed by firing squad, a tragic end to his noble stand against injustice. His wife, Madame La, chooses to accompany him on this harrowing journey, highlighting their bond.

When the day of Néel's execution finally comes, the old guillotine surprisingly malfunctions. The authorities, unable to proceed as planned, resort to the grim method of execution by axe, bringing a brutal end to Néel's story.