Johan Hauge

In the difficult 30'ies, the poor working family Jensen is struggling in affording their sons education, and it ends in tragedy. The son befriends the daughter of the, not liked by the rich employer West, which sends his daughter away.

The city boy Rolf gets a job on a big farm, and soon lies about finding gold. We see the rise of gold fever while the corn rots away.

The film takes place during a time of famine. Norway has been at war with England and Sweden, and times are tough. Gjest Baardsen has gotten into trouble with the law, apparently over a trivial matter. But Gjest breaks free, and instead it is the sheriff who is locked up in handcuffs. And Gjest continues to flee, with sheriffs and good people in tow.