At the center of the story are building contractor Patschold, who juggles advances and loans, and his shrewd chauffeur Göhrke. Patschold's wife almost suffers a nervous breakdown and his mistress makes ever greater demands.

A Christmas TV movie based on Adalbert Stifter's novel.

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...