The 19th century. In the remote Alpine village of Tolzbad, people talk quietly and restrain their movements lest avalanches come and kill them. This atmosphere lends itself to repressed emotions. Johann is a student lusting after his mother. She is an old flame of the mysterious Count Knotkers. Klara is attracted to her father. He lusts after his other daughter. This leads to duels and suicidal plunges galore. Sexual frenzies teem in this world of repression, setting off incestuous love triangles and quadrangles with deadly consequences.