The infatuated young Werther (Horst Caspar) meets in a village at a festivity the beautiful Lotte (Heidemarie Hatheyer) and falls in love with her. But Lotte is already engaged. Werther realizes that his love is hopeless and leaves. When he returns, Lotte is yet married but unhappy. Again their love flames up, which leads to a very deep despair of Werther. Finally he chooses suicide.