The movie based upon the classical Slovene novel Martin Kačur, depicts the clash between the teacher Martin Kačur and his conservative environment. Due to his progressive ideas, he is transferred to a small town. The village environment is even more depressing than his former surroundings were, as the influence of both the secular and the Church authorities is even greater in the country. Even though Martin meets Tončka and the two of them get married, he gradually becomes a disillusioned and embittered man. In time, when society's strictures become somewhat milder, Martin is transferred to a more friendly environment, but all the injustices he has experienced have already bitten too deep. Unlike his wife, Martin finds it very difficult to accept changes. When his son dies, it seems as though he has lost all his elan and the will to live. Will he be able to go on bringing the light of knowledge to the ignorant masses, or will his ideals be buried forever like a man in a snowdrift?

Composer and pianist Blaz Gaber lives only for his music and does not want to know anything about the outside world, where the war is raging. Upon his arrival from his poorly attended concert, he finds himself in prison for having stars drawn in his notebook by a little boy. A young illegal activist seeks refugee in the school, where the pupils hide his pistol inside the Gaber's piano. A German officer comes with his soldiers to find the hidden illegal, orders the school to be evacuated and takes the piano together with him on a train.

One day, Fortune and Worry come to town. Fortune leaves her magical cloak in the local inn, saying that it fulfills every wish to those who wear it. However, Worry knows that Fortune doesn't come alone, but brings worries with herself, too. The magical cloak changes its owner and fulfills the most unusual wishes of timid professor of violin, old night guard, naive student and blonde girl. When all their wishes are fulfilled, they find out that they did not achieve happiness.