Merijntje Gijzen is a small boy growing up in Brabant, in the south of the Netherlands. One day, out on one of his walks, he meets infamous poacher 'De Kruik,' and the two become friends. De Kruik is in love with Janekee but she is more interested in the new village policeman.

Juultje, the most beautiful girl in Volendam and daughter of the strict innkeeper Barendse, sparks a scandal at the village fair when she dances against her father’s rules. She meets Sander, the wealthy son of a shipping magnate, and they fall in love, planning to run away to Brussels. Meanwhile, Piet, a loyal friend secretly in love with her, leaves for Canada to improve his future. In Brussels, Juultje and Sander live in luxury until Sander abandons her. Heartbroken, she returns to the Netherlands and finds work in Amsterdam. Years later, she reconciles with her father before her mother’s death. Piet returns, and at last, Juultje and Piet marry, beginning a new life together.

Mientje comes from an ordinary working class family. Her father's alcoholism threatens to put an end to her engagement to Herman, her well to do fiancée. When her parents divorce, Mientje comes into conflict with her future mother-in-law. A grim but ultimately hopeful look at marital problems, poverty, lost love and alcoholism in a working class neighbourhood in Amsterdam.