Anton is a teenage boy living with his father in the Norwegian countryside. When his father's mental health deteriorates, the local physician suggests that Anton's mother, who left them both many years ago, should take care of him. Anton, who resents his mother, struggles against the authority of his elders and also tries to help out an old neighbor and friend.

" Broder Gabrielsen " in its time awoke a major debate , and already during the shooting of the film went high waves in the press . The film points a strong warning against religious fanaticism and against contemporary preachers, and it met then also strong opposition from some of these . In the film we meet the piecemeal lay preacher , Brother Gabrielsen ( ALF MALLAND ) , who discovers how modern music , rhythms and ecstasy gives great success when it comes to getting listeners to his preaching . He will soon get his big break , and keeps ecstatic revival meetings with tongues and " healings " through prayer . It ends in discouragement and defeat then wonders absent for Gabrielsen , and personal tragedies for those who were misguided .

A lawyer comes up with a devious plan to kill his half sister and frame another man for the crime.

The story takes place in a hedmark built during some summer weeks.

Knutsen & Ludvigsen have taken up residence in a tunnel in lack of a more suitable place to stay. But this is against the rules and norms of society. Thus, the authorities soon make their presence to demand that they show respect for the law. Knutsen & Ludvigsen are banned from the tunnel and they end up in a struggle for existence.