The movie tells a true story in the life of well-known German actor Manfred Krug. Living in the German Democratic Republic he is forced to leave the country after protesting against the expatriation of singer/songwriter Wolf Biermann in 1976.

Stefan's mother is interviewed by a television crew at her home. On the subject of how a single mother, who is actively involved in the work process, copes, the son, who is present, only gives snotty answers. Stefan works as an apprentice bricklayer and helps to build the French Cathedral on Berliner Platz der Akademie. On the day of his 18th birthday, he tells his mother that he is moving out. In his new surroundings, Stefan meets Christel, a telegram messenger, with whom he falls in love. An attempt to spend a night together in his mother's spare apartment fails, as Christel immediately wants to tie him down. Stefan's mother also arrives earlier than expected. She still hasn't given up on her son. There is a lot of trouble when she catches him working as a toilet attendant in a pub.