The movie takes place during Russia's civil war between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and the Whites (Mensheviks). Andrejka and Yarinka are a young betrothed couple in the village of Malinovka, caught between the battle lines. Gritsian is the leader of a Menshevik band who are planning to attack the village. Yarinka appeals to the local Bolshevik commander for his faction's help. The Bolsheviks quickly come up with a plan to save the village... but the plan requires Yarinka to enter into a pretend marriage with Gritsian.
Based on the Ukrainian vaudeville by Mykhailo Starytskyi, the famous Ukrainian writer. The leading character, Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty has his own barbershop in town and a reputation of a dandy. Once, after losing everything he had at cards, he decides to remedy his financial situation by a profitable marriage. A rich but ugly girl named Pronia Sirko falls for the illustrious suitor’s courtship...
Young Nadezhda after graduating college starts working in the orphanage.
