Bertrand Tavernier writes and directs this documentary which looks at some of the most influential figures from French cinema during a period of 40 years up to the late 1970s. A life-long film fan himself, Tavernier profiles a number of renowned directors, actors and writers as he discusses the influence they have had on his own career and also the role each has played in French cinema history. Featuring archive clips and rare behind-the-scenes footage, the film focuses on key figures such as Jacques Becker, Claude Chabrol and Jean-Paul Belmondo.