A diverse group of people from different nationalities struggle to earn a living in a Belgian coal-mining town. Hoping to find a better life, the dreams are shattered when coal prices hit an all-time low and production wipes out the main industry and livelihood of the workers. This documentary-style film appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in 1963. Recognized in 1960, with the Festival of Poretta, in Italy, by the neorealist scenario writers (Rossellini, De Sica…), but repudiated by the Belgian government which will withdraw its support for the scenario writer, the film of Meyer will remain invisible thirty years, before re-examining the day.