Gudrun arouses both the normal and abnormal desires of those around her as she makes the transition from adolescence to womanhood. Though she cares only for Manne, her childhood sweetheart, Gudrun finds herself pursued by Mr. Hollund (her employer), Mr. Rossen (an industrial tycoon), and Mrs. Brunn (a lesbian landlady). Rossen, a lonely widower, hopes to recapture his lost youth with Gudrun but is rejected. Hollund assaults Gudrun and then begs her to marry him. Mrs. Brunn futilely tries to turn Gudrun against men. In an attempt to get rid of the persistent Hollund, Gudrun goes for a drive with him and tries to explain that she loves Manne. Unable to control his anguish, Hollund loses control of his car and runs off the highway. Reviving in a hospital, Gudrun discovers Manne by her side and realizes that her future is secure.