A Swiss-German comedy drama about an inventor's journey through challenges and triumphs.
Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases
The Inventor's Beginning
Jakob Nüssli establishes himself as an inventor while balancing family life and factory work.
Key Events
Jakob's Invention — Jakob creates his first invention Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Otti, IngenieurLocation: Workshop
Family Introduction — Jakob's family life established Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Martha Nüssli, Seppli Nüssli, Philipp NüssliLocation: Home
Factory Job — Jakob takes factory job Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Fabrikant, IngenieurLocation: Factory
Rise and Challenges
Jakob gains financial backing for his inventions but faces competition and betrayal.
Key Events
Invention Showcase — Jakob presents invention to Patron Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Patron, Fabrikant, OttiLocation: Exhibition Hall
Financial Support — Patron agrees to fund Jakob Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Patron, Martha NüssliLocation: Office
Rival Appears — Competitor challenges Jakob Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Gerhard, SpekulantLocation: Marketplace
Invention Theft — Jakob's designs are stolen Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Gerhard, KobiLocation: Workshop
Triumph Against Odds
Jakob overcomes obstacles and creates his most successful invention, securing his future.
Key Events
Family Crisis — Family faces financial hardship Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Martha Nüssli, Seppli Nüssli, Philipp NüssliLocation: Home
New Invention — Jakob creates improved invention Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Otti, Lisbeth, KobiLocation: Workshop
Final Exhibition — Jakob presents final successful invention Characters: Jakob Nüssli, Patron, Fabrikant, Martha Nüssli, OttiLocation: Exhibition Hall
Story Breakdown
Early Life — Jakob's beginnings as an inventor
Family Background — Jakob's family life
First Invention — Initial creative attempts
Factory Employment — Taking a job at the factory
Rise to Prominence — Jakob gaining recognition and support
Invention Showcase — Presenting to potential backers
Financial Backing — Securing funding from Patron
Team Formation — Gathering support from friends
Challenges — Obstacles Jakob must overcome
Competition — Rival inventor appears
Betrayal — Invention designs stolen
Family Crisis — Financial hardship at home
Resolution — Jakob's ultimate success
New Creation — Improved invention developed
Final Exhibition — Successful presentation
Family Reconciliation — Family restored to stability
In this interesting World War I drama, Bruno Ganz gives a compelling performance as Jakob, an obsessive inventor who lives in a Swiss village. He receives unconditional support from his friend Otti (Walo Luond), but that is about all; the other villagers do not tolerate Jakob's eccentricities very well, and regard him as a crackpot. He perserveres in spite of this obstacle and finally invents a viable carriage that does not run on wheels but on a tread. Unfortunately for Jakob, the military have already come up with the same invention: the tank. The discovery finally breaks him, and he is quickly shuttled off to an asylum.
