Emil Raffke (Werner Krauss) is a newly rich industrialist who arrogantly revels in his wealth. While at the seaside with his family, Raffke and his daughter Lilli (Lee Parry) attract the attention of the young Baron Von Geldern (Hans Albers) who is in a relationship with a dancer who has helped him out of the lurch financially. But Von Geldern is interested in Raffke's money, while Raffke sees a chance of entering into nobility when marrying off his daughter to the baron. But Lilli has already secretly married another young man, which leads to a break-up of the family and to increasingly dramatic events.