Aimlessness and misplaced ambition take two friends in unexpected directions in this made-for-TV drama directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Michel (Michael Konig) and Gunther (Gunther Kauffmann) are two friends who feel trapped in Germany and are trying to decide what to do with their lives; Gunther has recently gotten out of the Army and is looking for work, while Michel installs floor tiles. Michel and Gunther get hold of a map of the Rio das Mortes in Peru, and become obsessed with the idea of leaving everything behind and going to Peru in search of treasure. Hanna (Hanna Schygulla), who is engaged to marry Michel, doesn't think much of this idea and wishes her boyfriend would come to his senses, eventually threatening violence to prevent him from leaving her.