Loves of a Blonde

Andula and a fellow shoe-factory worker lie in a dim dormitory, gossiping about the ring Andula's boyfriend Tonda gave her and her flirtation with a forest ranger. The conversation hints at how romance might buoy morale in a town where women greatly outnumber men. The moment sets a tone of yearning and the small-town struggle with gender imbalance.

The factory supervisor recognizes that the town's gender imbalance hurts morale and productivity and arranges for nearby army maneuvers. To capitalize on the stir, the factory sponsors a dance where workers can meet the male soldiery, hoping for a lift in spirits and camaraderie.

Anticipation runs high for both groups: the girls hope to meet young men, while the reservists—often middle-aged or married—dream of social mingling and possible flirtations. The atmosphere is a mix of hope and unease as the event approaches.

The mixer proves disappointing for many: Andula and her friends are repelled by the soldiers, whom they call 'old buffers.' As the night unfolds, three reservists stumble with social missteps that underscore the age and experience gap, including a misdirected bottle and a wedding ring that rolls toward the women who received it.

With the mood souring, some women retreat to the lavatory to devise a plan to escape their pursuers. The reservists quarrel over expenses and even speculate about going into the woods to have sex, highlighting the precarious dynamics of the evening.

Andula strikes up a flirtation with Milda, the band pianist, who reads her palm and teaches her how to rebuff unwanted advances with a sharp kick in the shins. After the party, Andula and Milda sleep together, cementing a tangible romance.

Andula, hearing nothing from Milda after their night together, breaks off with Tonda, who storms the dormitory demanding his ring back. The personal romance catalyzes a rupture with her former flame and the social expectations of fidelity.

After listening to a housemother's speech extolling fidelity and commitment, Andula packs her suitcase and heads to the capital, determined to resume her romance with Milda. The journey marks a decisive turn away from the town's routine and toward a possible new life.

She arrives in the big city and discovers Milda is not home. Instead, she meets Milda's parents, who have never heard of her and are unsure how to handle the situation, leaving Andula to confront a startled, indifferent household.

When Milda returns home late, he climbs into bed with his parents to avoid any impropriety, forcing Andula to sleep on the sofa. She overhears a tense quarrel through the door, realizing she is not valued in the room.

The next morning, Andula recounts her 'wonderful' trip to the capital and the kindness of Milda's father, even as she senses her status in the family and her town is precarious. She returns to work at the factory, resuming the life she had before the excursion.