In the late 19th century, two Swedish emigrants, Lasse Karlsson and his son Pelle, arrive on the Danish island of Bornholm hoping to find work on a farm and save enough money to travel to the United States of America.

At Helene Dragstrup's 20th birthday, her grandmother Margrethe decides that it is time that Helene learns something about life outside the protective walls of the estate.

In Fjordby, preparations are underway for a big celebration—the town's 500th anniversary, with music and dancing. The festive Mrs. Ingeborg, who earns her living playing the organ in church and at dances when the young people want to party, is constantly short of money. That is why she has a little side business: she teaches piano. Mrs. Ingeborg has a close family relationship with her lodger, the young veterinarian Kåre. He has repeatedly helped her financially. Mrs. Ingeborg needs money for a new dress for her foster daughter Nelly to wear to the party. Aunt Jessie lives on the first floor. She was once in a relationship with Mrs. Ingeborg's brother, but he broke up with her and married someone else. However, Mrs. Ingeborg still considers her a sister-in-law. She is well off financially, so she has to help out when Mrs. Ingeborg needs money for the dress.

Depiction of the social democratic activist and politician Peter Sabroe, who in the time around the turn of the century went to fight for the oppressed, oppressed and abused existences.