Hugo is smart and optimistic, but lazy. Mathilde, ambitious daughter of his landlady, sets out to kindle his abilities and makes him a respectable citizen and even mayor. But fate continues to put obstacles in their way.

Berlin, around 1900: Hugo Großmann, a young student, doesn't let anything shake him; Neither the constant tide in his wallet nor worries about his accommodation can take away the optimistic boy's zest for life. Even when he fails the traineeship exam, he takes this setback lightly, much to the astonishment of his friend Ribbeck, who cannot understand that Hugo, an intelligent person, thinks so little about his future.