Gertrud Brendler

On a pasture in a small village stand the cows and calves of the herder Bürle. Since many years, there is also a wooden calve standing among them. One day, all calves are stolen, even the wooden one. Although they are innocent, all poor villagers are brought to trial. Thereupon, the farmers join forces and discover who really is responsible for the theft.

Ev and Peter fall in love at first sight. Peter studies dentistry in Leipzig and is eager to work in the country. There is an unfilled dentist vacancy in his home village. Ev, on the other hand, is drawn to the city. Being a commercial artist, she sees no chance to find a job in the country. This conflict becomes the first real test for their relationship.

The journeyman tailor Kasper has a hard time. His mistress is constantly keeping him busy with chores. When the brownies show up in town and take over all the craftsmen's work, Kasper can no longer get any sewing done. That's fine with the master. He now often meets up with his colleagues to sing a quartet, but Kasper finally becomes the master's pet. When this nosy and bossy person ambushes the brownies with peas, the good Kasper tries to protect the little gnomes from harm. He is unsuccessful, and the brownies leave the town for good, badly demolished. Now they have to do the work themselves again. The masters are very sad, but the choir singing helps them get over the worst. Kasper is happy, he can pick up the needle again and become a capable journeyman tailor.

Susanne is a young single mother who lives a somewhat "carefree" lifestyle. After quitting her job, she finds herself in trouble financially and attempts a minor insurance fraud to make ends meet. Despite its rare view of everyday socialism from a woman's perspective, East German officials were critical of this frank portrayal of a less-than-ideal socialist citizen and turned down all invitations for the film to be screened abroad.

It's Gretel's birthday. Not only Kasper, but all his friends prepare surprises. The devil causes confusion as he tries to steal Kasper's book of inventions.

Jette and Johannes have been living together for two years when Johannes suggests that they "legalize" their relationship. Jette loves him, but the proposal of marriage terrifies her.

A culture festival is held in the village. Everyone is invited to take part, which is why the devil is also signing up to take part....

The devil is bored in hell and organizes an unbearable concert that even disturbs his grandmother. She sends him to earth to fetch Gretel to relieve his boredom.