Cartouche is the story of a kid from the back streets who wants to become king of Paris. Brought up amongst petty thieves, he becomes their leader through an audacious and elegant coup which wins him the love of the beautiful Venus. Inspired by his gang and his love for Venus, Cartouche rules without equality over Paris' underworld. He repeatedly escapes the clutches of his sworn enemy, the Lieutenant General of the police, Ferrussac. After a near brush with death, Cartouche discovers Madame de Ferrussac with whom he falls in love. Heartbroken, Venus nonetheless forgives him.