Something For Everyone

A handsome stranger, Konrad Ludwig, becomes fascinated by the castle near the Bavarian village of Ornstein. The castle is the property of widowed Countess Herthe von Ornstein, who lives in the dower house and cannot afford to occupy or restore the grand building. This setup seeds Konrad's long-term plan to insert himself into the countess's life and obtain control of the estate.

He plots to become one of the countess's servants and uses his romance with Anneliese Pleschke, a wealthy young woman, to fund his aims. Anneliese and her parents' money would help reopen and refurbish the castle once he's installed in the household. The plan sets him on a path into the inner circle of Ornstein.

After chauffeuring the Pleschkes around the countryside, Konrad gets Rudolph, the countess's footman, drunk at the local Biergarten. Rudolph is then killed by a train, and Konrad steps into Rudolph's role in the countess's household. This incident marks Konrad's formal entry into the inner circle.

Konrad becomes romantically involved with Helmuth von Ornstein, the shy son of the countess. The stern majordomo Klaus tries to stop the affair and fires Konrad from his post. The relationship deepens despite the power struggle within the household.

As the mayor undertakes a crackdown on lingering Nazis, Konrad reports Klaus for harboring a Nazi past. Klaus is quietly removed from service, clearing the way for Konrad to remain and continue his affair with Helmuth. Konrad consolidates his influence within the household.

Konrad convinces the countess to host a daring, expensive party at the dower house to spark a pseudo romance between Helmuth and Anneliese. He manipulates both lovers, promising to be always present at the castle. When the marriage contract is signed, the Pleschke funds begin to flow to reopen and refurbish the castle.

Helmuth and Anneliese become engaged, and the Pleschke wealth enables the anticipated reopening of the castle. The arrangement also cements Konrad's position as both lover and power broker. The plan seemingly secures the future of Ornstein.

The wedding proceeds, but the honeymoon soon devolves into disaster when Anneliese discovers Konrad kissing Helmuth. She tells her parents, prompting a confrontation that destabilizes the marriage. The revelation accelerates Konrad's manipulation of the household.

Conrad drives the limousine carrying Anneliese and her parents toward the castle. He deliberately steers it off a steep embankment, killing Anneliese and her parents while he escapes with a broken leg. This act eliminates the obstacle to his ongoing relationship with the countess.

Konrad convalesces, and the countess becomes his new romantic interest. They share an amorous night in her boudoir and plan to be married. Helmuth is devastated but accepts the shifting dynamics within the household.

Despite heartbreak, Helmuth reluctantly allows the marriage to go forward to avoid forcing Konrad to leave. The engagement redefines loyalties within the Ornstein estate. The house braces for further upheaval.

On the eve of the wedding, Helmuth's sister Lotte reveals she knows about Konrad's murderous and scandalous exploits. She uses this information to coerce him, insisting he marry her instead of her mother. The plot thickens as Konrad faces a perilous ultimatum.