Set at the turn of the century, the story concerns a Polish poet living in Cracow who has decided to marry a peasant girl. The wedding is attended by a heterogenous group of people from all strata of Polish society, who dance, get drunk and lament Poland's 100-year-long division under Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The bridegroom, a painter friend, and a journalist each in turn is confronted with spectres of Polish past.
Accomplished playwright supervises the stage rehearsals for his new play away from home. He rents a room at a private house, which is owned by mother and daughter. Wiktor gets entangled in the two women's bizarre relationship.
The drama of a young military pilot whose illness prevents him from flying and condemns him to a hopeless existence. Major Grela hoped to become the head of the test pilots' group. However, the higher command appointed Horycki, his former colleague and friend. They had both once been in love with Krystyna, Grela's current wife. A sharp conflict arises between them, both professionally and privately.
