The action of the melodrama takes place in the late 19th century, in an idyllic mountain village. Behind the façade of law and morality there is stubbornness, depravity and fear. As a dedicated teacher , Franz Gattl has been caring for the children of the mountain village for years . The kids love him.The progressive assistant teacher is a thorn in the side of the village priest Kleiber, who reports to Franz , and he uses every opportunity to spoil his future ; Especially when he found out about his assistant teacher 's love for Anna Rissbacher . When Anna becomes pregnant , he sees hishour has come. The young couple has to leave their home country head over heels .