GDR, 1952. Former farm servant Erich Kattner moves from West Germany to rural Mecklenburg where he wants to take over a farm. Since Erich, a widower, is hardly able to attend to all the work that needs to be done on his own, the loner is forced to look for some help. When he makes an offer to the charming maidservant Thekla, who works for the richest farmer in the village, she refuses it at first. Eventually, however, she changes her mind and starts to work at Erich′s farm. While Thekla hopes to win his love, Erich only sees her as a helpful employee. One day, he falls in love with another woman, the new village teacher Sabine. It is, however, merely a matter of time until Erich, whose farm is prospering wonderfully, has to choose between his loyal maidservant Thekla and the pretty Sabine.