Harry doesn't think about marrying Helene. And Helene doesn't like Harry either. In fact, she's not into men at all. She is studying medicine and has just received a scholarship in America. Vicky, Harry and Helene agree: they don't go along with their parents' plans. Until Harry's beloved mother Alice, long sober, falls back on alcohol out of desperation at the impending ruin. And Carl Goldmann only wants Helene to continue studying if she becomes Frau Grünberg. Harry resists, but Vicky feels that the price of their love is too high. She advises Harry to marry Helene.