Family Brandt has lost its fortune in oil speculation, and they have great debts at the local bank. This one is threatened with its own crash due to lack of money. The only hope is Brandt's uncle Thomas Hoffman, an American millionaire, who is coming for a visit. Bank Accountant Schmidt uses his own money to welcome him properly, presenting himself as Brandt's daughter's fiance, but it turns out, that Hoffmann never was a millionaire, in fact he still owns the city of Chicago about $100 for medical treatment. Yet with his existance alone he starts a big scheme to bring back prosperity. Surprisingly it works, yet there are some problems: 1st: Chicago wants the money back, asking at the foreign office in Berlin for help, and 2nd: Hoffmann does not like the sheme at all, and tries to go back to his quiet and peaceful Chicago…

Nan, a racketeer's daughter, is in love with The Kid, a shooting gallery showman.

Nan, a racketeer's daughter, is in love with The Kid, a shooting gallery showman. Despite Nan's prodding, The Kid has no ambitions about joining the rackets and making enough money to support Nan in the lifestyle she's accustomed to. Her attitude changes after her father implicates her in a murder and she's sent to prison. During her incarceration, her father convinces The Kid to join the gang in order to help free Nan. When Nan is released, she wants nothing more to do with the mob and tries to get The Kid to quit, but she may be too late.

Incorporating innovative filming techniques–such as slow-motion, close-ups, underwater takes

Franz Biberkopf has served four years in prison. His return to normal life is not successful. The thug Reinhold wants Biberkopf to join his gang.

A rich family, the Hillcrests, is fighting against the speculator, Hornblower, who sends away poor farmers to build factories on their lands.

The Tramp falls in love with a girl with visual impairment who sells flowers on the street. He tries to help her gain her eyesight back with the help of a wealthy man.