We encounter seven women who have been bombed-out, suffered miserably, are worried about their loved ones, and are barely hoping or even despairing for a little bit of happiness when they meet up before demolition chief Scharrhahn's handcart, each trying to earn enough to gain a ration card. Marta Breuer, resolute, by no means timid and anxious to gain an advantage; Clarissa Stoltze, her heart full of desire; Mother Knorz who provides the young wastrel Herbert with a new home; the lady Ziska who tends to skive at the expense of others; the young Inge, whom the driver, Strubbel, tries to woo; and the ever-serious and introverted Hermine Säuberlich and Anna Lubitzke, who swap their fat rations for a few cigarettes.