Martin Guerre, in an arranged marriage with Bertrande, is thought to be dead. Guillaume persues her until the day Arnaud, mistaken for Martin, arrives. Bertrande knows he is not, but agrees to pretend he is for protection. The two fall in love, which prompts Guillaume to frame Martin and take him to trial. In the meantime, the real Martin arrives, and all involved attempt to right the situation in their own way.

