During the final days of World War II, Maria weds Hermann Braun, only to have him disappear during the war. Left to fend for herself, Maria utilizes her charm and drive to achieve success during Germany's "economic miracle" of the 1950s. This film, directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and written by Pea Fröhlich, Peter Märthesheimer, and Rainer Werner Fassbinder, features an all-star cast including Hanna Schygulla, Klaus Löwitsch, and Ivan Desny.