A woman discovers after she has just married him, that her husband is abusive, and she tries to get away.

Johann, the trusted valet of Count Zirndorf, has an affair with chambermaid Marie, but this liaison ends, as does the count's marriage. Years later trouble ensues when the count's daughter falls for young Hans who might be her brother.

In search of a better life, a German girl named Willi joins an American carnival passing through Munich. While traveling from town to town, she is torn between two suitors: cruel carnival barker Joe and kindhearted high-dive artist Frank. Frank gets the upper hand when he asks Willi to join his act. The partners soon become the most popular attraction at the carnival. But tragedy is only a slip away.

Circus performer Tonio Tonelli discovers his wife Maja having an affair with his colleague Tino. Tonio goes away, and slowly rebuilds his career before meeting tightrope walker Nelly. The two become a popular sensation, which leads his estranged wife to try and force him back into a partnership with her through blackmail. When she is found dead, Tonio is the obvious suspect for her murder.