The local authority is led by Commissar Roman Koshkin (Vitaly Polizeymako), a tough but naive leader surrounded by secret adversaries, including his assistant Elisatov (Efim Kopelyan), a corrupt opportunist masquerading as a journalist, and his secretary-typist, Pavla Panova.
Meanwhile, a schoolteacher, Lyubov Yarovaya (Zinaida Karpova), tries to warn Koshkin about the advancing White Army, but Panova blocks her, citing the commissar's preoccupation.
When reports confirm the White Army's approach, Koshkin orders a detachment, led by Vikhor, to destroy a key bridge.
At a church service, Lyubov recognizes Vikhor—now disguised as Lieutenant Mikhail Yarovoy (Alexander Mazaev)—as her long-lost husband, presumed dead since World War I.
With Panova's tip, Lyubov identifies an officer who might hold the orders but is misled, resulting in his death without finding the needed information.