This is the story of Count Alexander Rostov, who finds himself in the midst of political upheaval in Moscow in 1922. Rostov refuses to acknowledge the Bolshevik regime, and representatives of the Communist Party are willing to spare his life. However, the hero is sentenced to lifelong house arrest. Rostov is not one to lie in bed and do nothing. Even within the confines of his room at the Metropol Hotel, he finds ways to occupy himself.