Milan Sládek

After the death of their father, 18-year-old Helene Raupe (“coccoon”) and her younger sister Asta come under the guardianship of the youth welfare office in East Berlin. Helene fails miserably as a fishmonger, fashion assistant and bus conductor, all jobs ordained for her by the authorities. The young woman really only “emerges” in her fantasies, where she can escape from her dull, normal life.

The film tells the exciting life of the great Czech composer Leos Janácek (1854-1928), also known by the thick silver hair that crowned his head and his strong character, which could overcome the adversities of fate.

As unbelievable as it sounds, a stint in prison can really fix things. The old seasoned pickpocket will serve many years before he is released, but he comes out a changed man. He even dares to refuse the lures and threats of an all-powerful criminal gang to cooperate with him.