Michael Gindin

There was no Soviet actor who could claim a greater popularity than Raikin. He was allowed the impossible: to be a satirist. Even during the height of government approved Anti-Semitism, Raikin was a figure to be reckoned with. He was known and beloved by all, his razor-sharp wit admired - and feared. In fact, president Putin met his future wife at a Raikin show. The film follows Raikin to his shows, on stage, and backstage, during rehearsals, at rest, and during conversations with his friends, including legendary Soviet jazz singer Leonid Utesov, film director Yuli Raizman, the poet Bella Ahmadullina, and the American film director George Kukor.

Young musician Zhenya Kovalchuk falls in love with aerobatic pilot Yulia. The feeling is mutual, but Yulia cannot bring herself to reveal her feelings to Zhenya. Then the famous, but not yet elderly, Doctor of Science Kressovsky, who also hopes for Yulia's affection, stands in his way. The two suitors clash with their swords, and the duel ends with the doctor being wounded. The doctor intrigues, and Zhenya faces expulsion from the institute.

How can anyone take a person seriously when his last name is Zaychik (Little Hare). Everyone can manipulate and make fun of him. And Zaychik never strikes back just because he is too shy. But to the surprise of everyone love makes a lion out of little hare.