The Things of Life

Pierre Berard (Michel Piccoli) is having a passionate affair with much younger Helene (Romy Schneider), yet he still cares deeply for his spouse, Catherine (Léa Massari). As Pierre spends more time with his new lover, she attempts to persuade him to sever his family ties, after which he sees less and less of Catherine and his young son. Eventually, Helene puts her foot down and forces Pierre to choose between her and his wife, but, just as he is about to decide, fate tragically intervenes.