Set in Prague during the years leading up to World War II, this family saga tells the story of a cobbler named Vincenc Bursik (Vladimir Mensik), who uproots his clan from the country to the city, only to suffer the loss of his wife and the failure of his shoe business within months. When his daughter moves away to go live with a wealthy businessman as his mistress, Vincenc is left to take care of his two sons, who spend their days in a secret garden vying for the affections of a teenage girl.

A group of children is trying to solve a mystery related to the diamonds smuggling.

Jitka, a librarian, is tasked with replacing an injured seventh-grade teacher at an elementary school. Despite her husband's resistance, she faces marital tensions, a dysfunctional classroom, and disgruntled parents. When a minor dereliction of duty leads to tragedy, she seeks help.

Jirka Horáček, a teenager living with his father on a Pilsen housing estate, spends his free time at discos with friends. One night he meets the confident blonde Eva, who is already involved with an older suitor, Cáfa, and also encounters the kind Jitka. Despite Jitka’s interest, Jirka becomes infatuated with Eva and tries to win her favor, all while his reckless pursuits strain his relationship with his impatient father.

The fate of father and son Horáček, but this time they switched roles. Jirka has married, settled down and grown up, while his father is in trouble because he has "second lymphoma" and, feeling that he is missing the last train, he starts a relationship with a stripper, Ala, dyes his hair, but mostly he likes a pretty and kind nurse, Lucie. Although he behaves in such a way that it seems to others as if he has lost his mind, everything turns out well, of course.

The war will also affect children's games. The children hide a French boy who has managed to escape from a prison transport. Language differences certainly don't matter when sporting talent is on display. The refugee becomes a welcome addition to the schoolboy football team, which is about to play against the German soldiers.

Children join folklore groups at an early age, but their relationship to them is formed only gradually, there are more than enough external stimuli that affect them. However, the prospect of performing abroad changes their relationship to folk songs and dances and disrupts their previously strong friendships. Although the film deals with child protagonists and is also aimed at a child audience, it can undoubtedly appeal to adults as well, as it tackles issues affecting parents.