After the end of WWII, a group resettlers reaches a small village in central Germany, which has been spared from destruction. The new arrivals, who live in a resettlement camp separated by a bridge from the actual village, counter mistrust and rejection of the village community. Even the spokesman for the resettlers, Michaelis, despite his commitment is hardly able to bring about a change in thinking in the adults. The village youths however do get over their resentment: Michaelis' daughter Hanne falls in love with Martin, the nephew of the village mayor. But Martin is also courted by the innkeeper Therese. When Martin decides for Hanne, Therese has the bridge destroyed in revenge causing a fatal accident. Afterwards, due to negligence, she causes a fire that soon affects half the village. The resettlers, whose camp is effectively separated from the village on account of the destroyed bridge, then swim through the river and help to save the village. The joint construction of a new bridge finally brings together newcomers and long-time residents.