In this classic Soviet fairy tale, four old sorcerers show up in a small town intent on regaining their former vigor and youth. But to do that, they must find four people who aimlessly waste their time. Fortunately for the magicians, they find just the guinea pigs in four lazy school children and quickly change places. Perhaps too late, the children realize the error of their ways and must try to change back, but it can only be done at a very exact time and place. The race is on to switch back or be doomed to the short life of the sorcerers.