A naive farmer named Heiri comes to Zurich’s Niederdorf to spend his calf-sale fortune and is quickly ensnared by pickpockets, seductive nightlife, and fleeting friendship, only to find himself destitute and alone. Meanwhile, a romantic entanglement unfolds involving Ruthli, her fiancé Police Officer Bruno, and charismatic entertainer André, all revolving around a stolen pearl necklace that brings the community’s true feelings and loyalties to light as everything resolves in a nostalgic and bittersweet conclusion.