The film takes place approximately 20 years after the 1812 war. A small town is troubled by the entry of Hussars. At this time, officer Count Merzlyaev comes from St. Petersburg having instructed to check several hussar regiments for trustworthiness. A provincial actor Bubentsov sits in the local prison. He got there for a scandalous act. His daughter - Nastya - is loved by a cornet Pletnev who is suspected of unreliability. Merzlyaev attracts Bubentsov for his operation, forcing him to play the role of a dangerous rebel, whom Pletnev shall carry under guard. Bubentsov acquires so much taste that Pletnev compassionately lets him go, after which a hunt begins on Bubentsov.