The film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Peter Jilemnický is a drama about the life of poor Kysuce miners, which takes place in the thirties during the economic crisis. During the peak wave of emigration, the dream of a better life drives thousands of people to America for work. Others, in order to support their families, leave for the surrounding towns. Produced by the Bratislava Art Film Studio, studios and laboratories Bratislava - Koliba.

Autumn 1944, the Slovak National Uprising is suppressed and the fighters must withdraw to the mountains. Commander Repta’s unit takes along the thirteen-year old Zuzka, who lost her home and all her relatives in the rebellion. But the enemy brutally pursues them and Repta therefore must divide his unit. The withdrawal is covered by the group commanded by Peter, whose members almost all die in an exchange of fire with the German soldiers. The only one to survive is the severely wounded Peter. Zuzka, of whom everybody forgot in the zeal of the fight, hides him from the Germans. As soon as Peter is able to walk, he and Zuzka set off to meet their co-fighters.