1802: The adventurous life story of Hans Bückler, known as "Schinderhannes", who fights against the French occupying forces and large landowners exploiting poor farmers in the Hunsrück region during the Napoleonic Wars. The French eventually allied themselves with the German authorities. After initially having great success, he is betrayed one day. His beloved Julchen, who is pregnant, leaves him to save herself and the child. When Schinderhannes learns that Julchen has borne him a child, he wants to seek her out - but it is a trap ... Bückler and most of his gang are finally captured and executed.