The story of a group of travelling small-town actors based on the difficult beginnings of the acting career of Helena Modrzejewska.
A travelling theatre troupe is working on a production of Hamlet. Hipolit, the son of a rich attorney and an actor with little talent, leaves the troupe together with the young and talented Dziunia, who is in love with him. They are joined by Dziunia's mother, old Werner and young Janek. Supported by the head of the district authority of Rzeszów, they manage to stage Hamlet. Thanks to Dziunia's exceptional, moving performance, the troupe becomes successful. Hipolit's father takes him home. The troupe moves to Sącz, where Dziunia impresses the audience with her portrayal of Adrienne Lecouvreur. She is tempted by a rich count who wants to take her on a trip around Europe, but turns down his proposal. Due to internal rivalry, Dziunia leaves Sącz and goes to Stanisławów with Janek. She dreams of the big stage.
