Based on the enormously popular Bavarian folk tale, "Die Geschichte vom Brandner Kaspar" tells the story of the widowed gunsmith Brandner Kasper who is living in the Schliersee mountains in the middle of the 19th century. Kaspar supplements his sparse living by poaching. Young Toni who is in love with Kaspar′s beautiful granddaughter Nannerl helps him out with this risky business.

Shortly before his 70th brithday, Kaspar has an unexpected visitor. Death himself appears to claim Kaspar′s life. But Kaspar does not want to die yet – and conceives a cunning plan: He inebriates Death and challenges him to a game of cards for his life. In the game, Kaspar cheats on Death and wins 20 more years to live. But soon Kaspar realizes that his cheating has dramatic consequences. When his beloved granddaughter dies in an accident, Death offers him a deal.