Every politician wants to leave a legacy and Mayor Bartholemy is no different - erecting a latrine in the village square might be a magnificent idea, but he knows he'll need help swinging opinion his way.
Aided by persuasive allies the Mayor gets his way and a startling new civic amenity is inaugurated, right outside the church and local shops - with mixed reviews from locals.
Young soldier Claudius comes home from army manoeuvres only to discover he potentially shares the blame with the new town square urinal for bespoiling Clochemerle treasures. His father surprisingly rates developments a good vintage!
War breaks out on all fronts - village against village - innkeepers wife against shopkeepers wife - pro latrine mayor vs the rest, even the aristocracy get involved!
The fate of clochemarle and its demolished latrine becomes a pass-the-parcel of responsibilities between church, ministers and the army, watch out unsuspecting residents!
The army arrive on "manoeuvres " in Clochemerle, trouble is soon not far behind when the Captain mounts more than his horse. The mayors plans somehow take a step forward, notwithstanding a now barricaded urinal!