A chemistry student causes an explosion during an exam. After that, she finds herself as a barmaid and spends the following evening in a cheerful company of musicians and cafe-goers, treating those present with drinks.

Latvia in the 1920s. The enterprising Edgars Ceplis establishes a company to produce bricks from Latvian clay for export. Many are involved in his project, hoping for the huge profits the venture promises. Ceplis soon becomes infatuated with his office typist Austra Zīle and starts neglecting the business...