A village in North Africa in 1955, the eve of Independence. Paul (Ben Gazzara), the son of a settler, refuses to abandon his land. Betty (Julie Christie), an Englishwoman, he met in a bar in Tangiers, is more pragmatic and persuades him to depart and begs him to acknowledge his illegitimate son Wanis (Patrick Bruel) The child isn't aware that Paul is his father. He hangs around their home hoping to get a glimpse of Betty, who he is in love with. He is torn apart when events lead to their departure.

Several years later the child, now a young man and his mother move to the city so he can learn a trade. He becomes an apprentice mechanic, unconsciously looking for Betty in each car that passes through his hands. Impressed with his zeal,a close family friend buys him a used Buick, exactly like the one Betty used to drive.

By a strange turn of events. Wanis discovers Bettty singing in a bar. He now learns that paul is his father from the lips of the woman he loves. Reacting to the shock of the news, he feverishly participates in a dangerous stock car race. he wins this mad, odd, surrealist race while at the wheel of his Buick. Is he now finally free of his fantasies?

Directed by Ridha Behi - Henri Vart

Cast (in credits order)
Jean Carmet .... Zigou
Patrick Bruel .... Wanis
Ida Di Benedetto .... Mariam
Amidou .... Slim
rest of cast listed alphabetically
Julie Christie .... Betty Rivière
Ben Gazzara .... Paul Rivière
Polli Magaro .... Alice
Sofiane Ouissi .... Wanis (Young)

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Ridha Behi
Jean-Claude Islert
Michel Lengliney
Jacques Robert
Bernard Tremere

Original Music by
Georges Garvarentz

Cinematography by
Pierre Lhomme

Production Design by
André CrianteMark Montgomery