The film features Heinz Rühmann as the protagonist Schweik, and was nominated for the 1962 Golden Globe Awards.

Schweik (played by Heinz Rühmann) is an unlucky and simple-minded but resourceful little man who makes a modest living by trading dogs in Prague.

He gets charged for lèse-majesté and is supposed to be jailed, but when the court finds him to be dim-witted, he is instead committed to a mental asylum.

When World War I breaks out in 1914, Schweik is drafted into the Austro-Hungarian Army as a common soldier.

When Lukas goes for a walk with the terrier and with a girl named Gretl (Senta Berger), they meet his commanding officer who is the dog's proper owner.

Unable to pay the fine for misuse of the brake, Schweik has to leave the train at the next station Tábor and continues his journey on foot.

Shortly before delivering the letter, Schweik encounters his old friend Woditschka (Franz Muxeneder) and they get drunk together.