Drei weiße Birken (1961)

The young Fritz Mausch, known as Mauschner, has lived in a small Alpine village for ten years, but as a painter from Munich he is still regarded with suspicion as an exotic and a “modern.” Fritz loves the young Angela, but her father, Loisl Flörchinger, chairman of the local heritage association, is firmly opposed to Angela having a relationship with Fritz. Angela herself is not interested in Fritz’s plans to marry her, since she is not even in love with him. Instead, she is interested in the young journeyman chimney sweep Hannes Kaminski, who had to leave his home, where he had already been a master chimney sweep. Angela’s affection for Kaminski especially upsets the young Zilly, who is in love with him herself. Zilly’s father, master baker Bauer, is locked in a constant feud with Flörchinger. Flörchinger was once involved with Bauer’s wife, Mali. Bauer, in turn, lived in Paris for a while and now firmly embraces modernity. He chafes at the old-fashioned traditions enforced in the village, above all by Flörchinger. His daughter Zilly is modern too, and learned to paint from Fritz. Angela and Kaminski go on a hike together to a high Alpine pasture, where they are caught in a thunderstorm and do not return to the village until late. They meet secretly more and more often, since Flörchinger is against their relationship. Fritz and Zilly also try to split the couple up. Fritz throws a party in his studio, where popular songs are played and numerous friends from Schwabing turn up. He invites Kaminski, whom Zilly kisses—just as Angela arrives at the party. She rushes away, disappointed, but soon makes up with Kaminski. Together they visit Stein Castle, where Fritz and Zilly, as well as the old Flörchinger, also show up. Flörchinger eventually agrees to Angela and Kaminski’s relationship and announces the couple’s engagement at the next village festival. Fritz and Zilly admit defeat and end up becoming a couple themselves.