The action takes place during the socialist period in Bulgaria. The central character, nicknamed the Cock is an artistic personality, a man of strong character known as the king of the pickpockets. His keen sense of personal freedom comes up against the universally accepted norms of behavior. The Cock likes a game, adventure and danger, while socialist society needs obedience. The Cock makes a stand against this order; he does not want to play his games according to rules. He is telling his story of two decades: his imprisonment and his love affairs.

Denev is a specialist in his area. and has no time to write his dissertation. His cousin Ivan offers his help to switch places wich leeds to catostrophe.

Two eternal opposing theses - play is our life or life is our play - are the base of music, dance and verse which fit together in this film.