Set in the 19th century Warsaw. The indolence of aristocrats who, secure with their pensions, are too lazy to undertake new business risks, frustrates Wokulski. His ability to make money is respected but his lack of family and social rank is condescended to. Because of his "help" (in secret) to "the doll's" impecunious but influential father, the girl becomes aware of his affection.
Major Henryk "Hubal" Dobrzański refuses to surrender to the Germans in the wake of the 1939 campaign and continues to lead his regiment in guerilla warfare against the invaders.
After completing a project, a shipbuilder grows restless and travels the country on his motorcycle. He leaves his wife as he engages in a series of drunken escapades.
