The film, set in the 1950s, features a boy (Anshel) as the main protagonist and his life as the son of Polish immigrants.

Alex comes from a poor, dysfunctional family of Polish Jewish origin whose poverty requires them to share their apartment.

The film authentically recreates the atmosphere of the country in the 1950s, known as the Austerity in Israel, including the black market, radio broadcasts concentrating on the search for lost relatives, music and pastimes of the 1950s and the era's clothing and dress styles.

The film's production began in the summer of 1985, initiated by Boaz Davidson after his return to Israel from Hollywood, where he had spent six years working with the Cannon Group, led by Yoram Globus and Menahem Golan.

After several weeks of casting attempts, he selected Sharon Cohen for the lead role despite her young age and lack of experience (she was a 20-year-old acting student, and this was her first film).