Based on folk tales by Božena Němcová, it tells the story of a ne'er-do-well angel who descends to Earth to prove himself and in the process, saves his own soul.
God grants him this request by asking him to replace Saint Peter at the pearly gates while the latter is away.
Petronel sentences three souls to Hell, then begins to play cards with the devil, neglecting his duties.
God then decides to punish the impudent angel by sending him down to Earth in the form of a mendicant monk.
Count Maxmilián spends his time in revelry, while his administrators and servants rob him behind his back.