Räuber Kneißl plot
The Kneißl family leads a modest life and lives in poverty. By petty theft and poaching, they somewhat keep their heads above water. Mathias Kneißl already attracted the attention of the judiciary as a child. One day his father is shot while fleeing the police and his mother is sent to prison. Mathias Kneißl and his brother Alois are also later imprisoned after a shooting. Alois does not survive the penitentiary. After his release, Mathias looks to the future with hope. He wants to leave for America with his Mathilde, but the necessary money is missing. However, with his history, he fails to find a job, which leads him back into shady business.