First Lieutenant Vašátko (R. Lukavský) spends his Christmas vacation in a mountain hut, where a diverse company has gathered. There is the painter Horác (J. Kemr) and two married couples, the flirtatious director Skorkovský (J. Somr) with his young wife (H. Cocková), and his new discovery, the not-so-smart Jájinka (J. Kotrbová) with husband (I. Vyskocil). In this intimate environment, a murder takes place and then its unusual resolution...
Young doctor Vencl is going through a difficult beginning. In the small town and especially in the surrounding isolated villages, he must first overcome the distrust of the locals, who still prefer to be treated by incantations. He has to get used to being led to a stable at night in the secluded forest, because an animal is often worth more than a human being. He also fights victoriously with the councilors who do not want to give him anything from the municipal coffers. He endures the bullying of the mayor's wife and wins the trust of the poorest of the poor.