Olivier is an unsuccessful actor who aspires to be a matinee idol. So he and his friend Luc decide that the only way to make this happen will be to make their own film where Olivier will play his fantasy role as the idolized, classic hero. But when he happens upon a young, beautiful damsel in distress for real, he cries out for help. Feeling devastated and impotent due to his failed heroics, Olivier sinks into the world of his screenplay where his tales of glory substitute for deeds undone.