The film is based on the 1941 short story Le Passe-muraille by Marcel Aymé about a "man who could walk through walls".

[2] Léon, a simple civil servant, who has the unusual ability to walk through walls, falls madly in love with a hotel thief by the name of Susan.

As fundamentally being an honest and law-abiding citizen, he eventually handles back everything he has stolen, is acquitted by the court, and becomes famous and respected.

When he learns that Susan is planning to return to England and start a new life, he decides to confess his emotions to her.

Le Passe-muraille launched the film career of its star, Bourvil, who at the time was only known as a stage comic and singer.