The film tries to capture the "nervous epidemic" caused by war and misery which "drives people mad". This unique portrait of the life in 1919 Germany, filmed on location in Munich, describes the cases of different people from all levels of society: Factory owner Roloff, who loses his mind in view of catastrophies and social disturbances; teacher John, who is the hero of the masses; and Marja who turns into a radical revolutionary.

In China, Professor Gesellius has completed his long research on the many uses of opium. When he is about to return home, he hears about a special variety that produces fabulous sensations because of the way it is made, but can also cause the total destruction of the mind and body of the person who consumes it.

Botto the Clown is in love with the much younger Blanche but she is in love with the handsome daredevil acrobate Andre.

A group of scientists, led by a Professor Ortmann, produce a living human child using scientific processes - a "homunculus." This creature is human in every way, except that he cannot experience love.

Mary and Eva are best friends, although they couldn't be more different. Armand, Mary's fiancee, falls in love with the seductive Eva, who is busy becoming a revue star. When Eva fails and loses her money, Armand tries to help her out.

A countess decides to get rid of a nosy stranger by luring him into a castle dungeon.

The young sculptor Cramer is inspired by the idea of ​​modeling a statue of Aphrodite that reflects the beauty and perfection of the female body. He found his ideal model in the happily married Frau von Versen. After initial hesitation, the lady, flattered by the offer, agrees to be a model. But suddenly she is overcome by moral concerns, because as the wife of a respected legation councilor, this could cause social misunderstandings.

Only a fragmented 52 minutes from the film survive.

After finding her sister dead, Maria tries to find out who or what is to blame.

A mysterious man saves the son of a wealthy couple so they allow him to stay at their place for one night but soon a murder happens.