Kummerow - a small town somewhere in Germany. Young people are moving away, jobs are scarce. Oskar Kubiczek, mayor, pub owner and optimist, is fighting for his town and fighting for his wife. A Bavarian company wants to invest in the region and a consultant is supposed to be on his way. The stubborn people of Kummerow are unimpressed. Only Oskar's friend Niels Lause supports him - but also his wife Irmgard. Irmgard wants to leave home and Oskar so that she can finally practise her profession as a midwife again. In the end, Oskar succeeds in rousing the people of Kummerow from their lethargy and mobilizing all their strength for the upcoming rowing regatta. Kummerow has a chance again - and not just against the Zechin rowing club.