Story

The film shows the fate of a working-class family on the threshold of the 20th century. Following her husband's fatal accident at work, Martha Kurda is left alone with two children. The 13-year-old Ludwig becomes the breadwinner of the family. When his younger brother dies, he sacrifices his bed in order to pay the coffin maker. Drunk, the carpenter falls into the excavated pit at the cemetery and is killed instantly. Ludwig is suspected of the murder and flees. Karl, the son of the carpenter who died in the accident, is convinced of Ludwig's innocence and stands up for him. And he loves Ludwig's mother. There is hope for the family again.