Claire Zachanassian (Christiane Hörbiger), a successful businesswoman, cosmopolitan and billionaire, visits the town of Güllen. She once lived here as Klara Wäscher, a young, beautiful and fun-loving woman who fell in love with Alfred Ill (Michael Mendl) and became pregnant by him. After a serious traffic accident in which Klara suffers permanent damage, Alfred leaves her. Klara has lost everything: her health, her baby, her love and her belief in the good in people. But she doesn't let it get her down and, with a lot of assertiveness and a sharp mind, makes it to the top. When she returns to Güllen as a rich woman, she wants revenge on Alfred. So she makes the town's citizens a murderous offer...