Karin Ruus

Toomas Joller has been an actor for twenty years. Joller is popular and has been awarded the honorary title of People's Artist. But Joller's star is gradually fading. He becomes egoistic and self-centered, his performances remain superficial. An actor's internal combustion requires hot water, which Joller uses in abundance together with his friend, the comedy actor Ruts.

In a late 19th-century Estonian village, farmer Jaan struggles. He works for Andres but can't provide enough. Jaan falls for Andres' daughter, Anni, who helps. Desperate, Jaan turns to theft, gets caught, and is sent to Siberia with Anni.