After the death of his wife, retiree Edgar lives a lonely and secluded life in his Berlin flat. Every day, the feeling creeps up on him that society no longer needs him. When he tries to get a job in a department store, his application is dismissed without further ado. Lost in thought, he picks up an umbrella on his way out. The store detective notices Edgar′s theft and it is the subsequent charge against him that brings Edgar nearer to his initial goal.