Has's impressive debut film already had his trademark odyssey structure, although here embedded in the story of a day in the life of an alcoholic. Gustaw Holoubek, who appears in many of Has's films, had his first great role as the desperate drunk who escapes the claustrophobic confines of his apartment (where a noose awaits him), wanders the streets, alienates his fellow barflies, and resists the sympathies of his girlfriend who wants to take him to a treatment center. Cinematographer Jahoda's "strongly expressionistic camera (depicts) a world that is deformed by the man's determination to commit suicide. (This is) the most interesting of the film adaptations of Marek Hlasko's short stories...revealing the wound in Polish society after fifteen years of peace." (Liehm & Liehm, The Most Important Art)