Two mountaineers get into difficulties. In the nearby village of Heiligengeist the mountain watch service is called out. The rescue proves difficult and one of the comrades is killed. Back in the village, the grief is great. The leader of the mountain watch service, Andreas, loves Margaret, sister-in-law of the dead man. She wants Andreas to choose between the mountain rescue service or her. Andreas gives in, but his comrades cannot understand him and believe he is a coward. Torn between his wife and his friends, Andreas decides to conquer the Teufelswand alone.