In the foyer of a Viennese concert hall, Lieutenant Gustav Wilfert is called a "stupid boy" by master baker Habetswallner because of his clumsy arrogance and is grabbed by the pommel of his sabre without putting up a fight. A major witnessed the incident and, according to the army's code of honor, the lieutenant had lost his honor and should have shot himself. However, as the master baker died overnight, Gustl's testimony is pitted against that of the major in the court of honor. One of the main witnesses is Gustl's fiancée, Anna, who openly denounces the folly and obsolescence of chauvinistic notions of heroism. Finally, the meme-like Gustl awaits the verdict in her room...

This film combines two very different styles: an atmospheric psycho thriller about the ice-cold hired gun (masterfully played by Frank Gorschin), and the bizarre satire of the Austrian TV serial "Kottan ermittelt".