Vinski inherits a general store in Ihantala from his aunt, which he starts running with his friend Lapatossu. The friends face fierce competition from the greedy merchant Juhos. The resourceful Lapatossu solves the problems of the villagers and evacuees in between business transactions.
Olli, a schoolboy from the Suominen family, accidentally causes two accidents, which he does not dare to confess to his father Väinö. He runs away from home in Helsinki and tries to get to the Savijärvi clearing camp with his friend Jaska. The journey, which began joyfully, turns into a nightmare when the boys, who have run into trouble, have to flee from the law and Olli's lively little sister Pipsa.
Pipsa catches the theater bug. The schoolgirl becomes obsessed with acting, which causes suffering for the whole family. Pipsa's brother Olli arranges performances for his sister and collects money for a poor war widow.
