In 1916, Finland is still a part of Russian Empire. Eugen Schauman murders the governor of Finland, and his fellow activists take on smaller tasks in the fight for freedom.
Ilona, who is dating actor Aarne, wants to pursue a career in theater herself. Sakari, a professor of surgery, strongly opposes his daughter's plans, but changes his mind after falling in love with actress Irma.
In the comedy set in Etelä-Hämee in the middle of the 19th century, Esko, the son of a cobbler, goes with the speaker Mikko Vilkastu to find a bride for himself from Karri's adopted daughter, Crete. However, not everything goes according to plan.
Astrid, the mistress of Metsäkulma, hires a job seeker named Aaltonen as a farm manager when her mentally ill husband Alfred is unable to work. Old Hermanni helps Astrid and Aaltonen as best he can, but jealous Alfred begins to persecute them.
Merchant Iivari encounters significant challenges in his entrepreneurial career when Merthen, a commercial counselor, attempts to prevent his success. Merthen's daughter Verna falls in love with the honest Iivari, who is not acceptable as a son-in-law to the Merthen family.
Senator Fredrik, who advocates a policy of appeasement, expels his nephew Robert, an activist and lover of Justiina, from his home. Decades later, the lovers meet again when Robert returns to claim his inheritance.
