Widow Jutta is fighting to protect her farm Salzerhof from officials who deem part of her valley treacherous ground due to old salt mines. She loves her farm hand Hannes who leaves because of her stubbornness. Then disaster strikes.
Sawmill owner Heinrich learns that Georg is his illegitimate son and changes his will to make Georg his successor and to get rid of his conniving son-in-law Florian. When Heinrich is murdered Florian challenges Georg for the inheritance.
When Hubertus dies his will determines that his loyal employees will vote for which of Hubertus's relatives will be sole heir. Promptly the relatives start campaigning for the good will of the servants who relish their unexpected power.
