A psychological drama with elements of action cinema set in two different time frames. The film's poetics and narrative structure draw on the most successful achievements of the French New Wave. One of its strengths is the satirical portrayal of the cultural and political elites of communist Poland.
The script was penned by Leopold Tyrmand, author of legendary novel "The Man with White Eyes". It is based on his novel "The Seven Long Voyages", which following is completion in 1957 was shelved by the censorship on accusations of propagation of pornography. The book was published in several Western European countries, but was not published in Poland until 1992.
Nowak, a well-known journalist and writer, embarks on a trip to a seaside resort where years ago he experienced great love. His thoughts go back to the autumn of 1949, when he met beautiful art history student Ewa in Darłowo. Nowak intended to steal a valuable triptych of Prince Eric of Pomerania and take it abroad, but abandoned his plan due to his feelings for the idealistic Ewa. Despite this, she left him without a word. Nowak got himself together, became a successful writer, but has not found happiness in his private life. At a glamorous reception, he meets his old love again. The feeling he has been idealizing for years turns out to be an illusion
