While detained in one of the Soviet Gulags (prison work camps), Maria fell in love with and had a child by one of the camp guards. However, in order to save her baby, she was manipulated into a situation where she had to betray her lover. The main attraction of this film is the clear depiction it gives of the harsh conditions of life in these infamous camps.

Katya, the heroine of the film, was helped in a dream by a noble stranger. When she arrives at school in the morning, she meets a newcomer and decides that he is the hero of her dream. However, the young man's actions destroy the romantic image created by Katya.

Jonah's merry journey to the fair, where he wanted to buy a barrel.