Kiefernwurzeln werden gebrochen, zerkleinert und zum Trocknen ausgebreitet. Der trichterförmige Meilerboden wird mit Birkenrinden bedeckt und Schicht für Schicht mit Kienwurzeln, die rings um den Nabelstock aufgeschichtet werden, halbkugelförmig belegt sowie mit Torf zugedeckt. Dann folgen das Zünden des Meilers, das Regulieren von Wärme und Zug, Prüfen der Qualität des Teers sowie das Füllen der Teerfässer.

The film shows the manufacture of tar in Nordmøre, Norway, in 1966 as the last tar pile there was fired. Tar distillation in piles has been tradition in Nordmøre since prehistoric times, and this particular firing proceeded as usual, with no special arrangements for filming. We are shown how the pine-roots, the raw material for the tar, are broken, crushed, and spread out to dry. The film continues with the technicalities of setting up the pile, and shows how the wood is laid in thick, circular layers and covered with peat. The firing of the pile then follows, with regulation of heat and draught by the men to ensure that the pile burns properly to give the best possible tar. The final portion of the film covers quality testing of the tar and filling of the tar-barrels. We see all work at the pile and control of the pile until this is completely burned down and the last of the tar is won from the wood.