"For some men, land and water are more precious than flesh and blood."
In a rural French village, an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water for growing their flowers, and are dismayed to hear that the man who has inherited it is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour tries to keep his crops watered from wells far afield through the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter's hearts, they think only of getting the water.
César Soubeyran, aka 'le Papet'

Jean Cadoret, hunchback, son of Florette

Ugolin Soubeyran, nephew of Papet

Aimée Cadoret, wife of Jean

Baptistine, Piedmontese of the cave

Manon Cadoret, daughter of Jean & Aimée

Philoxène, mayor

Pamphile, joiner

Casimir

Anglade, believer

Ange, hydrant man

Eliacin

Pascal, hydrant man

Martial

Méderic, bar boss
Giuseppe
Pique-Bouffigue

Amandine, César Soubeyran's servant

Florist

Notary

Doctor
Muleteer