Schalanter, once a prosperous craftsman is hit by the industrialization in Europe of the outgoing 19th century and self-inflicted negligence, he and his family - Gattin Barbara and the children Martin and Josefa - falls into considerable economic distress. More and more, the old man grabs the bottle and thus aggravates the economic situation. Schalanter is marked and predestined for a serious downfall and collapse.
