In the era of normalization, even seemingly buried agent stories came back. This one takes place in the immediate post-war years and tells the story of the discovery of a spy network that an American diplomat was spinning on Czech territory. He was unsuccessful: first, a close associate, who was proven to have collaborated with the Nazis during the war, committed suicide, followed by the intervention of the vigilant Security Service. However, the fleeing Americans were joined "in return" by a Czechoslovak agent... This naive adventure story could hardly be taken seriously. The book, which served as the basis for the film, was written based on actual events that took place in 1948.

The story of two communist friends, one of whom leaves as secretary to the district committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and the other remains in the village as a party agitator.

The story takes place in Italy, a country where terrorism and kidnappings are almost daily occurrences. Rampant banditry, injustice, coercion, and ultimately hopelessness stem from political events. Sunny Italy is no longer just a place of ancient monuments and tables laden with fine wine. Now it is primarily a place of ever-deepening social and political divisions.

The story follows three middle‑aged gentlemen—Antonín, Canon Roch, and Major Hugo—who while away their rainy summer days at a neglected riverside spa. Their languid routine is briefly enlivened by a traveling magician and his assistant Anna, whom they vie to impress with whimsical flair.