A Simple Story (Russian: Простая история, romanized: Prostaya istoriya) is a 1960 Soviet romantic drama film directed by Yuri Yegorov.

[2] The film tells the story of a determined widow who becomes the first woman chairperson of a struggling collective farm, transforming it through resilience and leadership while navigating personal sacrifices, community dynamics, and her own evolving desires.

During one of the meetings, where the district committee introduces yet another candidate, widow Aleksandra Potapova—who, like many women in the village, lost her husband during the Great Patriotic War—unexpectedly suggests that a woman should take on the role.

In the film's final scene, district officials arrive to offer Aleksandra the position of director at an advanced state farm equipped with modern technology and better living conditions.

Initially, she agrees, but as she steps outside and sees her concerned fellow villagers silently opposing the idea, she decides to stay with her community.