For the old privy Frau Butow, the green salon in her comfortable Berlin apartment is both an untouchable relic from the past as well as a refuge from the cares of everyday life. Enthroned in her salon, she wishes to neither hear not see the changes the world is going through and the problems these changes are bringing about. Frau Butow lives in an illusory world, in which problems aren't allowed. Thus, she knows nothing of the problems of her children and grandchildren; nor her son's business problems; nor even the health problems of her daughter. Only granddaughter Sabine doesn't want to come to terms with the unworldly attitude of her grandmother. So she tells her about her love for the architectural student Wolf, who has to earn his money as a bricklayer. The old woman is horrifeid and doesn't want to hear anymore! But Sabine won't shut her mouth.