Moscow, 1902. The famous director Konstantin Stanislavsky, in search of inspiration for staging a new play, decides to get acquainted with the life of the city "bottom". He turns to Vladimir Gilyarovsky, a recognized expert on the Moscow slums, for help.

Gleb is a golden youth boy, an idler living a lavish life. He believes he’s not obliged to comply with any rules. But one night during a street race he knocks down a man, and is about to go to prison. His wealthy and influential father has all the power to save his son from prison. But he wants Gleb to reconsider life values, and brings the young boy to a northern village far away from civilization.