The story takes place in Germany in 1972. Hans (Julius Weckauf) is a chubby nine-year-old boy who lives in a small shop run by his grandmother. Hans's character is not so pleasing, but he has one outstanding feature, that is, he has a special ability to make people laugh. No matter how depressed a person is, as long as he speaks a few words to Hans, he will regain his smile. Hans' mother Margaret (Luise Heyer) is seriously ill, and the burden of the whole family is piled on his father. In order to support his family and pay for medical expenses, his father who works all day gradually loses his smile. Fortunately, the women in Hans' family are very open-minded and tough. Their existence has subtly influenced Hans and protected his mind from the cruel reality.