A retired river-traffic captain decides to spend his old age in Home for retired persons, believing that it's better to live with similar people, than to wait for an end passively. His joyful spirit brings novelty and vividness into the Home's life. But, inside the room, which he shares with a man of completely different nature, this new spirit is not welcome. Quarrels start, insignificant at start, but bigger and bigger, and end with unexpected epilogue during the New Year's Eve celebration...
        An old sea captain has lived on his own as long as he has been able to. Between his pension and the portraits he paints for a little spending money, he has done all right. However, the day finally comes when he must enter an old age home. Nothing daunted, his high spirits and zest for living infect the whole home with enthusiasm as they prepare a New Year's Eve party for visiting relatives. Even the captain's withdrawn and sour old roommate at the home eventually joins in.