Götz von Bredow's elk-leather trousers have their own special meaning: whoever wears them cannot come to any harm. Only they must not be washed. The meticulous Mrs. Brigitte cleans them anyway - but they get lost because the squire Hans-Jürgen, who is guarding them, has to save the life of Eva von Bredow, who is floating in a wash barrel. Meanwhile, Privy Councillor Lindenberg has arrived at the Bredows' house and loses a large sum of money in the game that does not belong to him. He wants to make up for the loss with a robbery. Suspicion first falls on Bredow because his trousers were involved, but Lindenberg is convicted and sentenced to death. This throws the cavalry into turmoil, as robberies are an important source of income for them. The four of them march against the Elector, who is hunting in the Köpenicker Heide. But Bredow, who has his protective trousers back, comes to his aid.