In the small Dutch village of Lagerheide, two members of the local brass band get into a fight, forcing the band to be split in two. The two hotheads and their followers are doing their utmost to sabotage each other’s attempts at becoming the band who will represent the village at the upcoming brass band competition.

Sick and tired of living in poverty in post-war Germany, Fred Bogner has left his wife Käte with their three children. They continue to meet on a casual basis every time Fred can find money enough to book a hotel room. Based on the German novel 'Und sagte kein einziges Wort' by Heinrich Böll.