Tommy Fikejs and Ferda Říha, two perpetual students, are completely broke. They are up to their necks in debt, their landlady is kicking them out, and there is no hope of securing another loan. Tommy does have a wealthy uncle—an automotive tycoon—but the man refuses to be "touched" for money, whether by persuasion or coercion, despite Tommy bombarding him with pleading letters.

1923 film by Karl Anton

Alena Skalická, the owner of the "Krásná skála" estate, returns to the property after years abroad to take over its management herself. Her uncle Skalický and Engineer Miloš Miláček, who have managed the estate until now, are planning a grand welcome. The gamekeeper, Štětivec, is set to deliver the welcoming speech, and Head Forester Eisenkulka is rehearsing him. Štětivec’s wife, the sharp-tongued Barbora, is terrified that her Matěj might do something foolish.