[1] The scenario and dialogue is by Abel Gance and Claude Vermorel and the music composed by Arthur Honegger.

Honegger's score for the film (H. 166 in his catalogue of works) consists of around 50 minutes of music for chorus and large orchestra.

Set in the mid 17th century, the young Baron de Sigognac lives alone, ruined, in his castle.

A troupe of travelling players stop in the castle ward and are offered hospitality by Sigognac, who remarks the beauty of the actress Isabelle.

The old leader of the troupe, Matamore dies and Sigognac replaces him using the pseudonym Capitaine Fracasse.