An old-established masterbutcher in an idyllic rural setting fears that precious traditions and the future he had envisaged for his son Franzl are jeopardized when Charlotte, a vegetarian from the big city, bursts into the young man's life. Values are upturned, and there are furious arguments - but there is a final reconciliation, because after all " If you don't keep up with the times, time will leave you stranded."