Chasing Two Hares

In late 19th century Kyiv, the frivolous barber Svyryd Petrovych Holokhvosty faces financial ruin and is forced to close his shop. He learns about a dowry being offered for his daughter Pronya and decides to marry her to settle his debts. He plans his future while dealing with his financial downfall.

Svyryd seeks to secure his debts by marrying Pronya, showing off in the park and pretending to be interested in her. He also deceives a German creditor to finance the marriage process, aiming to start a new life with her.

While in the park, Svyryd notices the beautiful Halya and briefly flirts with her, but is chased away by her jealous boyfriend, Stepan. This encounter sparks Svyryd's interest in Halya as a potential conquest.

Svyryd takes Pronya to a movie date and falsely confesses love to her. She invites him to her home to propose marriage, unaware of his true plans and intentions to find a way to clear his debts.

Later, Svyryd boasts to his friends about his successful date with Pronya and reveals plans to start an affair with a beautiful woman once he gets the money. He openly discusses his dishonest intentions, showing his frivolous character.

Svyryd encounters Halya in an alley and falsely confesses love, claiming to be a rich suitor. Halya's mother, Sekleta, interrupts and warns him to marry Halya, as her heart is with Stepan. Sekleta makes him swear to marry Halya.

Sekleta visits her sister Mrs. Sirko’s house, insulting them and causing a scene. She also warns Svyryd about his dishonesty as he prepares to propose to Pronya, highlighting the familial tensions and Svyryd's dubious reputation.

During Sekleta's name day celebration at her house, she announces Halya and Svyryd's engagement, causing excitement. Svyryd flirts with Sister Meroniya and gets her to drink, hinting at his reckless character. The secret that Pronya and Halya are cousins begins to surface.

Halya flees from the celebration to be with her beloved Stepan after learning about Svyryd's false intentions. Stepan confirms Svyryd is a fraud, further complicating the romantic situation and Svyryd's plans.

On the wedding day, Svyryd's path to Pronya is interrupted when a black cat crosses his way, causing him to trip and soil his wedding attire. The incident foreshadows trouble ahead and creates suspense among the guests.

Sekleta halts the wedding, revealing that Svyryd is engaged to Halya and not Pronya, shocking everyone. Pronya collapses in despair, realizing her plans are unraveling as the truth comes out.

Faced with creditors and proof of his bankruptcy, Svyryd is finally exposed as a fraud. He leaves the scene with his friends, abandoning both women and the wedding, signaling his moral and financial downfall.