The Franconian Count von Buttlar is the father of two sons: Fritz and Ludwig who differ from each other in their characters. Fritz, the elder one, gets into a bad company, he indulges in outrageous activities and has to escape together with some of his acomplices. During that time Ludwig knows how to make the immoral conduct of his brother appear in an even worse light. In desperation Fritz gets involved in a gang of robbers and becomes their leader. The old Count has a niece, Maria, who is fondly in love with Fritz. She resists Ludwig's hot pusrsuit whilst the blood-thirsty deeds of Fritz gradually become known. His sword terrifies the tyrants, the despots and the vile servants of justice, but it protects the poor and oppressed. He rescues the prisoners but is caught in an ambush with his gang. While Fritz succeeds in escaping, Ludwig is mortally wounded. There is turmoil and disorder in the country, powder and lead, atrocious torture, all over the country. Fritz, the Outlaw, will take care of that with his gang.