A sequel to the 1984 anti-Solidarity film Dignity. The film is set at the beginning of martial law. Metalpol is on strike. The communists intern attorney Franczuk, an advisor to the Solidarity movement. Szostak, who a few days ago was taken out of the plant on a wheelbarrow as a defector, wants to return to work. However, this proves to be a very difficult, not to say impossible, task.
The film depicts three days in the life of a state farm director, during which he celebrates his 40th birthday. He was adopted by four godfathers who have helped him throughout his life and have reached positions of prominence themselves. He makes a mistake at work turning away some foreigh investors and is required to cover the losses, but even his godfathers are unable to help him. He regains affection of his son instead.
"The Dancing Hawk" refers to the son of a peasant who senses he can climb to the job in troubled times by playing his cards right. His slavery to work match his ambitions, and gradually he reaches the social position he desires. But the costs have included a dehumanized soul and a loss of a moral conscience. People have had to pay for his advancement, including those nearest to him. The downfall is equally painful: either imprisonment or the easy wasy out are offered as the alternatives.