After his release from prison, ex-convict Franz Walsch finds his way back into the Munich criminal underworld. His attentions focus upon two women, Joanna and Margarethe, as well as upon Günther, his friend who earlier shot his brother.

Two men in Münster, who have known each other since their student days, have settled into life without realizing their dreams. They attempt to break with their past and venture a new beginning, which, however, is nothing more than another attempt to escape.

Small-time pimp Franz is torn between his mistress and Bruno, the gangster sent after him by a shady crime syndicate he has refused to join.

A biography of Auschwitz commander Rudolf Höss.

In West Berlin, first the dachshunds disappear, then the old ladies. Little by little, Berlin is disappearing.