Magdalena and Michael, two working-class children in Berlin, are star-crossed lover who have sworn each other eternal fidelity. When the nazis seize power their love is put to a long hard test.
Michael, a young construction worker and convinced communist, who refuses to give way to the nazis, is sentenced to 15 years in jail. Magdalena who has always been nervous because of his political activities, takes his place. When she too is in danger, Juergen a former friend who is a member of the SA but has not lost his conscience saves her. When Michael is released from the camp and sent to a punishment batallion he meets Juergen again, now a sergeant. Together they hold out in the trenches and eventually both desert to the Red Army. Michael never stops hoping to find Magdalena again.