Heddy Maria Wettstein

Theophil Läppli is a swiss patriot, who after a trip to Greece tries to recover the democratic roots of Switzerland. With much enthusiasm and idealism he's discovering, that corruption and greed are wide spread in his beloved country. This is the second movie about Theophil Läppli after HD-Soldat Läppli (1959).

War mobilization in 1939: the clumsy Läppli, a loudmouth and busybody, is imprisoned for anti-military speeches. When he is later promoted to officer's orderly, he continues his mischievous behavior. He acts without suspicion, comes across as slightly dim-witted, a silly simpleton, talks nonsense and, in his harmless naivety, repeatedly creates situations that make us laugh at the malice of chance or stubborn militarism. His environment, the officers' staff area, is portrayed with irony, but without malicious scorn.

The film tells several interconnected stories of Swiss people who fall in love with foreigners but struggle to maintain their relationships due to prejudice and social norms. The narrative culminates in a conciliatory scene in which the characters overcome their differences and recognize the importance of love across national borders.