Ella Talbach lives a settled, middle-class life alongside her husband Manfred, who is currently campaigning for re-election as mayor. On her 60th birthday, her granddaughter Lili arranges a surprise visit from the Viennese musician Franz, of whom she only knows that he recorded a tango record with Ella 40 years ago. Lili has no idea that Franz was Ella's great love. Disappointed by a breach of trust, she had left him with a heavy heart. At the birthday party, Ella and Franz dance together - and their touch causes old feelings to flare up. Without further ado, she travels to Vienna to see Franz. The old dream of touring South America together suddenly seems close at hand. But Ella wants to support her husband in the election campaign and asks Franz to postpone the trip...