Based on the works of Ivan Shamyakin.  The heroes of the film are representatives of the creative intelligentsia. Yesterday, their works were considered a national treasure, but now they are no longer needed. The famous writer Ivan Andreevich is forced to earn a living by selling his own books with autographs. More fortunate was his friend, the famous artist Mikhail Antonovich. All his paintings were bought by a western collector. But the banquet arranged by the artist on this occasion turned out to be completely depressing...