Adapted from four different Russian folk-tales, this early Soviet fantasy film tells the story of Emelya the Fool, who, fishing one day, catches a talking pike who pleads for his life and in return grants Emelya wishes for a life spared.

The action takes place during the years of the Civil War in the Urals. It is difficult for the young woman Nadia Korneeva to make sense of the events unfolding around her. Having endured much grief and gone through numerous trials, she decides to join a Red Guard unit.