Former criminal Gaudl grows concerned about his daughter Hedwig when he notices unusual behavior from her husband, Professor Horacek, and begins investigating. His worries are confirmed, leading him to seek help from his old friend, Lieutenant Colonel Maca. Unbeknownst to Hedwig, her husband is having an affair with their housekeeper, Daniela. When Horacek tells Hedwig he wants a divorce, she reacts dramatically while driving, causing a fatal car accident involving a hitchhiker. She convinces Horacek to flee the scene, and in doing so, captures a photograph of him concealing the victim's body. Now armed with blackmail material, she confronts him, prompting him to decide to end the situation permanently.