The Pearl Necklace

It is April 1945, the end of the Second World War is approaching and the fighting is still going on. Tenants of a house in a Moravian town withdraw to the cellar with their children in the face of approaching danger. For children, especially little Mařenka and Saša, this means just another adventure and occasion for new games. Both children also look out for the first Soviet soldier. Saša, out of impatience, even unlocks the main door of the house - only to face two German soldiers with machine-gun hiding on the other side. They break into the house and begin to shoot at the street. The adults in the cellar do not have the courage to oppose them, even though one of the men has a gun. Saša feels guilty for letting the Germans in, gets hold of the gun during the night and sneaks upstairs. Fortunately, he is taken back by his father and a neighbour. In the morning, Soviet soldiers arrive to the town and manage to neutralize the Germans. Saša becomes close friends with the young Soviet soldier Vanya, who likes to play with children. One day, Vanya indulges in listening to music of the playing clock at Růžička's. Father Růžička spots him and accuses him of stealing a pearl necklace. Vanya's strict captain takes him to an abandoned place. The unhappy Saša grabs Mařenka's glass necklace and runs after them, offering the "jewels" to the captain, who eventually lets Vanya go.