In 1945 Hans Jablona is sent to the children's euthanasia establishment "Am Spiegelgrund", because he has defended his teacher Gertrude Kobenzl, who was lead away by the Gestapo as the headmaster had denounced her. What he has to live through in the asylum will haunt him his whole life. He manages to escape and hides in a cave, where his friend Agnes cares for him.

Ten years later Hans still has not found back the way into life. Although he studies medicine and psychology and is in a relationship with Agnes, he still has nightmares. When he notices that Agnes wants to leave him, he ends the relationship. At the same time Dr. Mannhart, the doctor from the asylum "Am Spiegelgrund" is honoured as an important researcher. They meet accidentally outside the university and Hans beats down his former headmaster. Now he feels free. But when he is sent to remand, he has to face Dr. Mannhart as the court's psychiatrist. He is declared to be insane and put into a locked ward. Agnes and Gertrude Kobenzl, now a politician, try to help him. Hans is sedated in a way, he looses control over himself. Finally the two women succeed in effect his discharge. still Dr. Mannhart gets away. Hans is disgusted and wants revenge. He moves into a flat right in front of Mannhart's house to observe him. Agnes cannot understand him and leaves him.

In 1970 Hans is professor of psychiatry at the university of Vienna. One day it is his task to render an expert opinion on a prisoner, who sufferes from the consequences of his childhood in the asylum "Am Spiegelgrund". His opponent in court is Dr. Mannhart and Hans sees his chance in achieving justice. At the end of the hearing murder charge is raised against Mannhart. He can defend himself by preventing dementia, but Hans swears to observe him closely and so Mannhart has to pretend suffering from dementia the rest of his life.
At the funeral of his grandmother, Hans and Agnes meet again and find back together.