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.

Mirko, bored with his extravagant life, decides to spend his vacation alone, far from the company of his Prague friends. He even makes a bet with a friend that he will go a month without any funds, luxuries, a car and...without a kiss.

During the New Year's Eve celebration of the arrival of the twentieth century, three friends meet in a nightclub. Notary Jiří Voborský, clerk Emanuel Střela and Lieutenant Miloslav Jičínský.