The Federal Republic of Germany. Journalist Rohmann, seriously injured in a car accident, is dying in hospital. Before his death, he bequeaths his unfinished novel to his friend, the famous writer Frank Seburg, and asks him to complete the work he started. Frank Seburg examines the materials collected by Rohmann. It turns out that the journalist was trying to uncover the mystery surrounding the deaths of several West German officials. According to the official version, they all committed suicide. Seburg was unable to fulfill his friend's request to reveal the true causes of their deaths. The fight against the followers of fascism proved too much for him.

Reporters tell lies about East Germany.

Mauritius Halbermann, nicknamed "Mauts", works as an advertising manager for Gravo-Druck, a state-owned print company. Mauts, a man obsessed with his work, incessantly percolates with marvelous ideas - and now that he has once again come up with another brilliant idea, he naturally wants to present his proposal to his boss. As it happens, his supervisor along with his entire family and some of Mauts's colleagues - including Lore who Mauts secretly fancies - have gone on a holiday trip.