The story of Jewish counterfeiter Salomon Sorowitsch, who was coerced into assisting the Nazi operation of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II.
Richy Guitar is actually called Richard, but is only called like this by his parents. The young man finds it difficult to find work in Berlin, and when he finally does, he is bullied by his boss. When he meets drummer Igor and bassist Hans, a new rock band is immediately formed. While the trio dreams of a gig at the Avus racetrack, Richy's relationship breaks down...
When young Martina takes up a scholarship at the Johann-Sigismund Gymnasium boarding school, she finds herself caught in the rivalry between the boarders and the "externals" from the local village.
