Made directly after the October thaw in Poland, the film is a shocking slice-of-life drama attacking the communist propaganda of success and exposing the falsehood of socialist realism. Critically acclaimed and popular among viewers, it was taken off the screen shortly after its premiere by the decision of the communist authorities. Drawing on Italian neorealism in terms of topic and style, the film can be described as a feature-film equivalent of Polish documentaries from the famous “Black Series”. A bitter, pessimistic story of a single mother who despite being hailed the leader of workship is unable to secure proper care and decent living conditions for her children.