On New Year′s Eve 1871 Annelie is born – 15 minutes too late, since her parents had calculated her birth to be exactly at midnight. These 15 minutes will again and again become the girl′s fate.

As foreign troops occupy the country, the government commissions a jeweler to bring the crown jewels to safety.

Anna Christiansen has not heard from her husband Klaus, a sailor, for twelve years. To provide a secure life for her three sons, Anna has taken over a sailors' home. Since then, she has led a modest but contented life. One day, Klaus suddenly appears at her door.