A group of Italian immigrants go through the border illegally. Once in France they find work in a mine, but as strikebreakers, which infuriates the local strikers. After a series of violent incidents, things begin to improve. One of the Italian miners named Stefano draws the attention of the landlord of the mine's lover. With her support, he is hired in a vaudeville company. Unfortunately, while he is making his debut as a singer, the show is interrupted by a tragic news: a firedamp has occurred and a great number of miners are trapped in the pit. Stefano does not hesitate: he joins the rescuers and, with them, manages to save a few lives.