Johann Moritz, a Romanian peasant, experiences the horrors of World War II when the Nazis invade his country. When Dobresco, the local police chief, is amorous towards his wife, Suzanna, Moritz is falsely labeled a Jew, and sent to a work camp. The troubles continue to mount, as his wife is threatened with losing their property unless she divorces Moritz. Even the end of the war cannot bring relief to Moritz and his family. Since he became a SS-man by accident he is put on trial at the Nuremberg tribunal.