The film focuses on life in a World War II German penal battalion camp somewhere in Russia. The convicts include a heroic doctor unjustly convicted of avoiding military service, an officer who retreated against orders, and common criminals. It shows their life in the camp, clearing mines, living in trenches on the front line.
The famous singer Roberto Ricci wants to save himself from his overly intrusive female fans with a fake marriage. Mr. Praxl from the marriage institute Eros finds him his own granddaughter Gertie, who works as a waitress and wants to finance her own singing and dancing career with the fee for the role of his wife. To comply with Mr. Ricci's wishes, the attractive Gertie disguises herself as a wallflower with her hair pinned up and high-necked dresses. The act has the desired effect on Roberto's female followers. Over time, however, Gertie and Roberto actually fall in love with each other, which sparks the jealousy of Roberto's stage partner Loretta. With the help of Füllkrug, she tries to thwart the budding romance.
Hanna Amon and her brother Thomas live on an estate they've inherited from their parents. Local veterinarian Brunner loves Hanna from afar, and Thomas is in love with the daughter of the local mayor. Love, however, doesn't always mean happiness, as both Hanna and Thomas are soon to find out.
