The Past-Master

A research worker named Robespier Galabov (Yakovlev) lives with his family in a small communal flat with a shared kitchen, dreaming of a self-contained home. He meets Rangel Lelin (Gospodinov), locally famed as the Past-Master, when he learns that the municipal apartment they applied for won’t be ready for the next decade. The Past-Master promises to build a private house in a month. Once construction begins, Lelin repeatedly extorts Galabov for more money through threat of putting the hat. Eventually the house is built, but the inauguration is somber. It turns out that the fireplace chimney doesn't work properly. After days of unsuccessful attempts to fix the problem, the Past-Master's brother comes into sight. Knowing Lelin's tricks, he finds a hat built in the chimney.