During World War 2 Polish skiers take up a fight against the Germans and become couriers, delivering mail to Budapest.

A deserter returns to his hometown and, with the help of his father, hides in the mountains.

In 1969 a young writer decides to write an essay on a well known Polish writer, who had to leave the country in the 50's, later living, working and dying in exile. He slowly assembles the character and even the exterior appearances of his idol until his own identity tragically disappears.

Przybora, an engineer, undertakes the construction of a modern mine. His fiancée supports him in the hardships of his work.

The young Kuriata takes the position of the secretary of the City Committee in Grodów, where a corrupt clique ruled for many years. Kuriata begins to introduce competent people to managerial functions, which is enthusiastically received by workers who want changes for the better.

The film is set in a small town near Warsaw, to which a young and coming director comes to produce a classic play (Wyspianski "Wyzwolenie") with a modern vein. Everyone in the production gets his usual stereotypical role, but the aging idol of the ensemble senses opportunity to give the performance of his life. For young director everything is already set. The leading man, however, is not giving up and is trying to restore the role according to his view. His wife listens to his fears, complaints and frustrations, while resigning herself to a fading career in a puppet theatre.

Young residents of a town near Poznań are getting ready to fight the Germans.

Andrzej, who lives in the lowlands, comes to Zakopane. He rents a carriage and orders himself to be taken to the Strążyska Valley.

Residents of the village of Wadlewo celebrate a double wedding, where a fight between Wojtek and Bartek takes place.