THE BIG ANIMAL

A camel turned loose by a travelling circus is kindly taken in by the bank clerk Sawicki. Not surprisingly, more than a few heads turn when he takes his new pet out for its first walk, but he shrugs off the mocking remarks from his neighbours. The fiscal authorities soon begin to wonder what taxes must be levied on ownership of a camel, while the town council debates whether the animal represents a threat to public order. Finally, the villagers decide to use the camel for their own profit, be it as an advertising gimmick to attract tourists or as the main attraction in a mini zoo. Sawicki refuses to entertain their bright ideas, and finds himself exposed to blackmail and bigotry. After all, what kind of person keeps a camel in his garden? Sentiment in the village is unanimous: The camel has to go!