In the midst of escalating arson attacks plaguing his city, businessman Gottlieb Biedermann finds himself entangled in a precarious situation. At home, his attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy clashes with the reality of his own complacency as he unwittingly harbors potential firebugs under his roof. As the story unfolds, Biedermann's struggle to reconcile his moral stance with his actions culminates in a disastrous and ironic conclusion.

Encounters at Home

While on his way home, Gottlieb Biedermann lights a cigar and observes the Chorus of Firemen, who are vigilantly on their watch. Once home, he settles into his living room with a newspaper, expressing his vehement disdain for the arsonists wreaking havoc in his city, declaring that such criminals deserve to be hanged. His evening is interrupted by Anna, his servant, who announces the presence of a peddler wishing to see him. Biedermann instructs her to dismiss the man, only for the intruder to enter uninvited, introducing himself as Sepp Schmitz, a circus wrestler. Biedermann, taken aback by Schmitz's audacity, offers him bread, which Schmitz skillfully expands into a more substantial meal by employing flattery and subtle demands. Their interaction is disrupted by the arrival of Herr Knechtling, a former employee fired by Biedermann, who seeks an audience. Outraged by the visit, Biedermann orders Anna to send Knechtling away. He then leads Sepp to the attic and offers him lodging on the condition that he assures Biedermann he is not one of the arsonist firebugs. Sepp's ambiguous laughter seems to satisfy Biedermann, and he allows Schmitz to stay.

Unsettling Guests

The following morning, Biedermann's wife, Babette, wakes after a restless night, plagued by the fear that a firebug might be hiding in their attic. Biedermann introduces her to Schmitz before departing for work, leaving Babette determined to oust the wrestler. However, her attempt to find a tactful way to remove him is thwarted as Sepp manipulates her compassion, preparing her to welcome another suspicious guest, Willi Eisenring, an unemployed waiter. Despite Biedermann's resolve to eject both men, he finds himself in the attic, where Schmitz and Eisenring have just finished stacking large drums. His immediate anger dissipates as Willi admonishes Sepp for his lack of courtesy, placating Biedermann's emotions. Alarm rises in Biedermann upon noticing the drum labels, which unmistakably identify their contents as gasoline. Though he threatens to involve the police, a policeman arrives with news that Herr Knechtling had committed suicide the previous night. When questioned about the drums, Biedermann claims they contain Hormotone, a hair tonic manufactured by his firm. Attempting to justify his actions to the Chorus of Firemen, Biedermann argues the necessity of trusting people, explaining to Babette that even if the men are firebugs, treating them amicably might be the safest approach. He suggests they join the family for dinner.

Dark Revelations

Later, Eisenring straightforwardly reveals his intentions to Biedermann, suggesting that Sepp is out procuring sawdust to spread a fire. Eisenring also discloses his past imprisonment and his quest for a detonator cap. Biedermann dismisses these revelations as jokes, with Eisenring affirming that humor provides a good disguise, though the truth works even better. Eisenring carefully recommends that Biedermann extinguish his cigar while aiding in wiring the detonator and fuse. Unperturbed, Biedermann extends an invitation to Eisenring and Schmitz for dinner. After his departure, Eisenring enlists the help of a professor hiding among the gasoline drums to stand guard while he and Sepp attend the dinner. The professor attempts to warn Babette about the arsonists, but she, convinced by Biedermann's notion of maintaining peace with the men, takes no action.

The Ill-Fated...