In Germany in the 1930s, a young couple are struggling against poverty. Hans is a small business agent. He is happily married to Emma, whom he affectionately calls 'Lämmchen' (small lamb). They must keep their marriage a secret in order for Hans to keep his job, as his boss wants him to marry his daughter. Hans loses his job when the truth comes out. They move in with his stepmother in bustling Berlin to find success. Hans gets a small job in a department store. Things are okay until they find out that his stepmother is really a notorious madam and runs an exclusive brothel.