A killer terrorizes the small German town of Hainsburg. The police moves in to investigate the crimes and finds a suspect among a small group of teenagers.

At the center of the story are building contractor Patschold, who juggles advances and loans, and his shrewd chauffeur Göhrke. Patschold's wife almost suffers a nervous breakdown and his mistress makes ever greater demands.

Horst, the 18-year-old son of a factory owner, and 17-year-old Karin dream up their future together in the most beautiful colors. Newly married, however, they don't float on cloud nine as they had hoped, but sink into the dreary everyday life of marriage. While Horst ends his school career prematurely, Karin seeks help from her father-in-law.