Jean-Joachim Goriot, a merchant who got rich during the Revolution, is obsessed with the love of his two daughters, whose social promotion he wants. He endows them richly, ruins himself to pay their debts, but Delphine and Anastasie do not return his affection and abandon him at the time of his death to run to a big ball.

Charles Vanel
as Father Goriot

Bruno Garcin
as Rastignac

Roger Jacquet
as Vautrin

Monique Nevers
as Delphine de Nucingen

Elia Clermont
as Anastasie de Restaud

Nadine Alari
as Mrs. Claire de Beauséant

Barbara Laage
as Duchess of Langeais

François Tilly
as Bianchon

Renée Gardès
as Mrs. Vauquer

Annie Savarin
as Sylvie