A group of ethnic German refugees from the former eastern territories encounters hostility from the villagers of the central German territories where they now reside.  Michaelis speaks for the group, but his attempts to bridge the gap between the new and old residents of the village are opposed by an angry crowd. When his daughter Hanne falls in love with the mayor’s nephew Martin, the jealous innkeeper Therese plots to destroy their relationship. Only a series of tragedies can finally bring the two groups together and allow them to build a bridge to a new life.