It is summer in the early 1930s, and two brothers, Erik and Johan, have inherited their family's property, consisting of two houses on the banks of the Ätran River in Falkenberg. Erik, who runs a trading and import business, lives in the nicer of the two houses. Erik is married to the distinguished Mrs. Aurore. The household also includes Aurore's niece Maj-Britt and the maid Malin. Malin is constantly in love and is currently being courted by police officer Karlsson and postman Dag-Otto. Johan, a bricklayer, lives in the smaller cottage. He is married to Hanna, and their son Albin is studying to become an engineer. The differences between the two brothers often lead to discord between them, and when Albin and Maj-Britt fall in love, no one is pleased.