In his play from 1937, Čapek shows his fear of fascism and foresees the outbreak of war. The main character, the compassionate doctor Galén, discovers a cure for a dangerous disease, but he only treats the poor. He refuses to treat powerful men - politicians and industrialists - until he gets a promise from them to disarm and declare war. Despite all his efforts, however, events take a tragic turn.

This play was so popular in its time that it was already made into a film in 1937 under the direction of Hugo Haas, who also played the main role in the film.