A new screen adaptation of the famous play by Carl Zuckmayer: Just being released from prison in Berlin at the turn of the century, shoemaker Voigt can′t find employment because he has no passport. On an impulse, he buys a used officer′s uniform and, posing as a high-ranking soldier, orders some troops to march with him to Köpenick. There he has the mayor arrested and then takes off unchallenged with the city′s treasure.