The military farce, directed by Lasse Pöysti, is based on Joel Laikka's novel. The illiterate Nieminen, who starts his military service through mischief and being tempted by other rookies, causes confusion in the barracks. At the behest of colonel, attempts are made to teach him in different ways - the women of the locality are also interested in teaching. Soon Nieminen will be the competing with sergeant major Vasikainen for the affections of the colonel's cook Vieno.
In the early 1800s, Finnish governor's daughter first detests but soon falls in love with Russian Czar Alexander I who has just taken Finland over from Sweden's rule.
1892. Vappu Biörcke and Kaarlo Härkönen get to know each other during the summer in the countryside at the birthday of Vappu Jalle-sedä. In Helsinki, the young people continue their courtship under the supervision of Vapu's aunt, Moster Mella. However, Vapu's father, business advisor Ossian Biörcke, is not as accepting when his daughter's actions begin to be revealed.