There is a beautiful windmill near Winkelbroek. The miller is Wannes Coppens, someone who knows all the ways, but especially the detours, to achieve his goal. He is particularly proud of his son Antoon. He is a teacher, conductor of the brass band, painter... and has the reputation of being the biggest joker in Winkelbroek. Through Antoon's marriage to Louisa from the brewery, the miller hopes to regain possession of a piece of land. But the old brewer is unyielding. Wannes then takes a detour via the mayor.

The widow Fien Appel, owner of a pastry shop, lives next door to café owner Camille, a widower. Camille is eager to win Fien’s hand, but she is first and foremost concerned with the future of her daughters. Her devoted servant Julleke, who cares deeply for the girls, worries that Camille won’t be able to persuade his mistress and advises him to seek a suitable wife through a marriage broker. A rendezvous is arranged at the bar “In het Paradijs,” setting the stage for unexpected twists and comedic developments.

Mr Van Peborgh, an "artiste photographe", remained alone with his three sons Henri, Frans and Louis after the death of his wife.The household is done by the maid Beth while the graceful girl Marie helps him in the store.The eldest son Henri is engaged to Hortense and thinks he's getting married soon.Louis wants to leave for America. The big engagement party on which the whole family is present starts without worry but ends up in a disaster because "It's cruel in the world".

In the heart of the Schipperskwartier, a grocery store and a café sit side by side, run by two inseparable friends, Jef and Rik. Rik, a widower, has three spirited children who can only be kept in line by Anneke, the ever-patient housekeeper. Wanting to see his friend happily remarried, Jef places an ad in the newspaper seeking potential brides. Two women respond, but Rik refuses to meet them himself. Undeterred, Jef takes it upon himself to investigate…

Jan Peeters is happily married and his wife Annie just things he's the best. When all of a sudden 4 women buy him a tie for his birthday she's becoming suspicious.

Performing military service, Karel Maes decides to goes over the wall with a group of friends to participate in a cycling race. Karel, Strop and Gust are given a lift by Hans Drogelever, a Dutch soccer supporter on his way to Brussels. A young woman, whose car has broken down, joins them. It is a double triumph for Karel since not only does he win the race but he gets the girl as well.