A Jewish parvenu climbs the social ladder by seducing wealthy women.

The brave son of a woman inthe political underground tries to save her from Nazi stormtroopers.

Cheerful and mischievous lad Gritsko offers young Parasya his hand and his heart on the first day of the fair in Sorochyntsi. The girl's father, Cherevik, presents no objection – her stepmother, however, is furious, and refuses to recognise their relationship; Cherevik drunkenly relents. Gritsko alone bemoans his sadness, whereupon a gypsy presents him a deal – Gritsko will sell his oxen to the gypsy if the latter can successfully make Parasya's parents accept their union.

Maxim Perepelitsa is a cheerful, mischievous and resourceful young man from a Ukrainian village. He loves to make up stories and invent practical jokes. When he is drafted into the Russian Army, he doesn't stop his antics.