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

How did a beautiful American divorcee get into the bed of her best friend's fiancé right after returning to Budapest?

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...

The story takes place in a small village manor-house off Vásárosladány. Sándor leads a quiet life with his wife, son and the now poor relatives of his wife, one which is characterized by the monotony of rural boredom. The arrival of another poor relative, Kitty, a young girl brought up in America, whose way of thinking reflects modern times, puts an end to this overwhelming monotony.