The action takes place in the USSR of the 20s. Soviet pioneer Shura Klimova dreams of becoming as famous a movie star as America's favorite and Hollywood pioneer Mary Pickford. The pioneer organization of Shuri condemns her behavior, the comrades are working together on the pioneer Klimova for individualism, but nothing can dissuade the girl and take away her dream.

Tsarevich Alexei was one of the smartest people in the state. His father Peter hoped that he would take his place, but Alexei tried with all his might to remain out of power and wished for ordinary human happiness.

A young Russian store clerk has a drab existence in times of shortages and is berated by her ailing mother for not seeing men. So she brings home an unknown young man who she met on the tram. She dreams many things but pines for this man.

The hero of the film, Askold Epov, grows up, searches for himself, makes mistakes, gets bruises, desponds, and experiences his first joys and first love. It's just like in real life...