Helden is a village embedded in a remote forgotten valley in the Tyrol. Nature prevails there, and the ancient codes of honor and behavior have been kept intact. Thus, young Max can not hope to prevent his beloved Emma from marrying the rich and successful son of the Mayor. This would never be acceptable in a place where time would seem to have stopped, where Padre Johannes' sermons are even now able to lead his parish to transports of enthusiasm, and where the village idiot is a compulsive reader of Proust.

     All of this perfection and quiet, however, is threatened by plans on the part of the Mayor to make the unspoilt village into a tourist attraction. This is where unassuming Max comes on the scene, in that he feels under obligation to join in, in the struggle to revert the Mayor's plans. He relies on Emma for assistance and does forestall the Mayor's plans. He now feels ready to ask for the girl's hand in marriage.