When he was ten years old, Paul left his home to join the circus. Now, at age 71, he continues to perform in the circus as a knife swallower. Because he injured his oesophagus during one of his routines, however, he is now forced to stop performing. At home, Paul is restless and depressed. Although his doctor, his wife and his son urgently direct him to be more careful, he still attempts to perform dangerous feats during his recovery period. Sometime, to set himself back on his feet, he even secretly repeats part of his swalloing routine in front of his own image in the mirror.

Paul est avaleur de couteaux. Il a 71 ans. Une blessure qu'il s'est infligée à l'oesophage en faisant son numéro l'oblige à donner son dernier spectacle. Son médecin, sa femme et son fils l'enjoingent à la prudence. Rétif, Paul accepte finalement de se recycler en gardien de sécurité dans un édifice désaffecté. Pour se remonter le moral, il refait parfois en cachette son numéro devant le miroir.