The film tells the exciting life of the great Czech composer Leos Janácek (1854-1928), also known by the thick silver hair that crowned his head and his strong character, which could overcome the adversities of fate.
As unbelievable as it sounds, a stint in prison can really fix things. The old seasoned pickpocket will serve many years before he is released, but he comes out a changed man. He even dares to refuse the lures and threats of an all-powerful criminal gang to cooperate with him.
Together with a group of temporary workers, a group of experienced labourers is building a land reclamation system to turn the South Bohemian marshes into a "Seventh Continent" of fertile soil.
The boys find a Turkish chess machine in the museum's storerooms and win a magic crystal with which they can subdue objects to their will. A doll, a puck at a match of their favorite hockey team.... And even a teacher.
After the death of their father, 18-year-old Helene Raupe (“coccoon”) and her younger sister Asta come under the guardianship of the youth welfare office in East Berlin. Helene fails miserably as a fishmonger, fashion assistant and bus conductor, all jobs ordained for her by the authorities....
