Timo plays a jealous husband who shoots his wife's lover on stage. The theater director urges the shy young man to gain experience with women and guns before the premiere. Both become familiar when Timo gets caught up in the schemes of his fellow actress Aili and a Russian spy ring.

A story built around the music of Oskar Merikanto, tells the love story of the poor musician Lauri Alanko and the daughter of the rich Grahn family Annina. Annina’s family doesn’t approve of the relationship, and the couple’s happiness is also threatened by Lauri’s worsening eye disease.

Captain Kaarnoja finds himself caught up in intrigues and a dispute between the noblewoman Elisabeth and her cousin, Captain Gyllenskiöld. Kaarnoja comes into possession of a mysterious letter, which leads him and his loyal companion Sergeant Erkinpoika into battles, ambushes, and sword fights.

Bank manager wants to hire younger employees. Fired cashier decides to teach him a lesson.

Joonas, a perpetual student living in a small town and working odd jobs, wants to spend May Day in Helsinki with his classmates from 30 years ago. His old friends are successful, but they have grown apart and are unhappy. Joonas helps them rediscover friendship and the joy of living.

Pipsa catches the theater bug. The schoolgirl becomes obsessed with acting, which causes suffering for the whole family. Pipsa's brother Olli arranges performances for his sister and collects money for a poor war widow.

Young inventor Janne is lonely. He falls in love with beautiful girls, but his feelings are not reciprocated. Heartbreak and failure rob Janne of his will to live.

Heavily indebted Commissioner Birger seeks to marry the wealthy Helena. The young lady rejects his advances and longs for her childhood friend Kuismaa. Birger's jealous mistress Verotshka complicates the relationship dynamics while helping the Finns and Ingrians in their struggle for independence.

Set in turn of the century Helsinki, author Arvo Helavalla's novel makes an indelible impression on adolescent Auli Ranta. She idolizes the author of a work that can never be forgotten.

At the request of author Zacharias, Fredrik begins composing an opera, inspired by a summer walk in Backas, Espoo. He falls in love with Ebba, who sings like a nightingale about a young mermaid on the shore of the lake. Fredrik's infatuation causes a scandal in Helsinki society circles, as he is married.