In the village of Gerzenstein, the pre-trial detainee Erwin Schlumpf wants to commit suicide. He is accused of having murdered the merchant Wendolin Witschi. Sergeant Jakob Studer from the Cantonal police can save Schlumpf at the last moment. For the investigating magistrate, Dr. Steffen, the suicide attempt is like a confession. Studer, on the other hand, has serious doubts about Schlumpf's guilt.—StevieB69