Winter 1954, a cold snap hits France. The thermometer dips below minus 20 degrees. The country is hit by an unprecedented housing crisis. The authorities turn a blind eye. But not for long. A priest, resistance fighter and former member of parliament, Abbé Pierre, forced them to act. On February 1, 54, his appeal broadcast on Radio Luxembourg caused a wave of emotion and an electroshock about poor housing and social misery in France.