The film uses motifs from V. Mayakovsky's script "Как поживаете?" - about the struggle against philistinism in everyday life.

To help out his friend Lenya, Yura steals a Stradivarius violin belonging to the professor from his grandfather, a violin maker. Having learned about everything, the professor begins to study with the talented Lenya. Circus performers persuade Lenya to give up the violin and perform in the circus...