János Háry, the old veteran is telling his stories in the pub without end.

Nothing new under the sun. The famous 'Love Story' is only a faint reminder of the most successful pre-war Hungarian film. The relationship between the painter and the busy girl, as well as the third one, still holds surprises for us today.

Kulinyi, the theatre secretary in Budapest, becomes the director of a rural theatre. He takes with him a talented, budding theatre couple, Gábor Bálint and Éva Pap. He fights a hopeless battle with drunken and jaded actors, undemanding audiences, and demands the release of their untalented relatives with creditors. Finally, tired of failure, all three return to Pest. Kulinyi resumes his post as secretary. Gábor Bálint, out of options, approaches the famous actor Ferenc Tőrös and asks him to let him play the role for one night only, so that he can prove his talent.

The village is preparing for the celebration of Mihály Sámson's entry to the Vitéz Order. There's a great competition for roles in the amateur theatrical performance, and the choir is practicing. Two girls compete for the attention of Gyula Kopácsi, the railway traffic controller: Jolán, the postal clerk, and the pastor's daughter, Sárika. Jolán's mother spreads rumors during the rehearsal of the performance that Kopácsi has already proposed to her daughter, even though he's actually leaning towards Sárika. However, at the celebration, Sárika and Sámson notice each other...

During World War II, a young poet remembers his love on a train bound for the front. He spent the days before his enlistment with his sweetheart. Poetry and love bring them momentary happiness. Bálint does not want to be separated from the girl, so they run away from the draft notice. Then, the girl disappears...