Based on true story (as far as archives can verify), the movie tells us about history of one servant to wealthy family of russian count. Set in beginning of 1700's, when tzar Pyotr was raising from ashes russian fleet and sent dozens young people overseas to become navigators, story tells us about proud man who changed his stars. Taking place of his lazy master, he graduates from university and comes back to be judged by the one who send them. The name of movie: Tobacco captain comes from the fact that main character was sold once in exchange for his weight in tobacco - and that was exact way he was bought back by tzar before he could be given nobility status and become captain. On the sidenote, the movie could be considered more of musical, as dancing and singing takes nearly half its running time.