Thomas, son of sawmill owner Mautner, is more interested in music and women than in his father's business. His latest acquaintance is the young Andrea Sternberg, whom he rescues from a torrent and whose father wants to build a hotel on the Mautners' property. After an argument with his father, Thomas goes to Bad Gastein, where he lives a lavish life with Andrea and her friends. His father lends him money to finance this, hoping to gain access to Thomas's property. Cornered by Sternberg, Thomas is forced to return to his father and confess.