The film is based on a true story, concerning a series of robberies on the highways of Germany. At the time of the actual events, there was a controversy over whether or not highway patrolmen should be given permission to use firearms against perpetrators.

After three months of secret marriage to his wife Helga, Stefan Gregor, propagandist for a record company, is already back in front of the divorce judge. His profession is to blame, as it has brought him into disrepute with his wife. It is the nightly negotiations with the artists in his friend Alfred's bar over champagne and wine - and he is already accused of infidelity. But he is no different with Helga, because as soon as she has become rich through a secret lottery win, her lifestyle makes him just as suspicious and jealous. But when he discovers that she has become a singing star, he is proud of her and she finally realizes what "sacrifices" his profession entails.