Toni Goldwascher

Eleven-year-old Toni lives with his mother Maria and his dog Strupp in the gold panner’s house situated near the river at a distance from the village. Some years ago the house belonged to Toni’s grandfather who actually panned gold there. The villagers did not like this. They accused him of wanting to become rich without honest work. Since this time the family has been regarded as a blot on the idyllic place. The villagers avoid the family. Toni feels the full force of it. He does not have any friends. Everyone talks disparagingly about him, especially the big farmer’s son Hans Beil. All the people believe they can make a fool of Toni. Fortunately Toni finds a secret supporter in the chaplain. Although he wants the boy to become a server, he always provides Toni with a shelter in return. When Toni really finds the desired metal by gold panning, the others go green with envy. The conflict blows up. Benno also tries to find gold. But he digs out completely different things on the bank: an old carbine with ammunition. Now Benno can settle “old“ scores.