Ridicule

George Ponceludon, a young photographer, leaves his provincial town in order to submit a proposal to the Versailles authorities concerning the drainage of the swamps in la Dombes. The Marquis de Bellegarde, an old doctor familiar with the ways of Louis XVI's court, befriends the young engineer, whom he feels is a man of wit. In his efforts, the solicitor of the court must be aware of the fearful results of seeming ridiculous, which can put an end to one's career - not to mention one's life.