During play rehearsals, Robert Jürgensen (Will Quadflieg) and Gisela Ahrens (Heidemarie Hatheyer) encounter their former theater manager Conrad Schroeter (Heinrich George) as the new prompter. Robert had previously had an affair with Schroeter's daughter Inge, causing her to commit suicide, while Gisela was pregnant. During a performance, Schroeter learned of his daughter's death and attacked Robert, accusing him of murder. He was then institutionalized. Robert and Gisela fear Schroeter's reaction to their reunion.