About an alcohol-damaged young man, his life in and out of prison, his friend the art teacher and his difficulties reintegrating into society.

The film is a portrayal of the Swedish Prison Service, told by an inmate Lasse and art teacher Björn, who will do anything to help him. Lasse is on leave drinking heavily. He is returned to prison, placed in solitary confinement. After an intense letter and press campaign from Björn, the prison authorities agrees to move Lasse to an institution where psychological treatment exist. Lasse is now starting to develop his artistic talents. He writes poems and paints. But soon he comes into conflict with the staff and is returned to prison. Björn renews his efforts to help Lasse. He gets him on parole. The idea is that Lasse is going to prepare for admission to an art school. With growing desperation Björn observes the increasing aimless and restless life Lasse is living. It all comes to a violent scene between them. Björn becomes deeply humiliated. Lasse is drowning in his addiction to alcohol. Vilgot Sjöman drama documentary takes place in 1969. In Sweden imprisonment will soon become humane correctional treatment. At least, that is the proud ambition of Olof Palmes social democratic government.—Ulf Kjell Gür