This well-known incident of 18th century German history drew much contemporary attention and subsequently inspired a number of works of art and entertainment, including various stage and screen productions.

The film opens at Potsdam in the time of "The Soldier King" Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia, with the royal family sitting at the breakfast table.

Moreover, members of the grenadier regiment saw the Crown Prince appearing late for roll call in a dishevelled state, which greatly angers his father.

Exasperated with his father's strictness, Fritz hatches a plan to flee Prussia and get to France and England, where he expects to be welcomed by his mother's family.

At night the King returns earlier than usual and surprises the Crown Prince playing the flute in the music room together with his sister Wilhelmine.

The angry King throws Fritz's books and flute into the open fire and orders the Crown Prince to accompany him on a trip to Southern Germany.