Excommunicated priest turned Satanist Michael Rayner (Christopher Lee) places a young girl under his spell, hoping that she will bear a child that will be the offspring of Satan. Occult novelist John Verney (Richard Widmark), with the help of an ancient manuscript, attempts to intervene and undo the spell.

Yves Montand and Romy Schneider star in this stylish French 'love triangle' drama directed by Claude Sautet. Now in love with successful scrap-metal dealer César (Montand), Rosalie (Schneider) is torn when her former love, David (Sami Frey), suddenly reappears on the scene after a five year absence. When David signals his intention to win her back, César's jealous outbursts end up pushing Rosalie back into her former lover's arms. Not willing to give up on his happiness, however, César soon embarks on a carefully planned charm offensive. But with the two men now vying for her affections, and unable to make up her mind one way or the other, Rosalie realises she may have to bring the situation to a head herself.