The film tells how a young man, Sasha, challenges the ruthless ambitions of a district party leader, whose manipulative tactics disrupt the lives of a farming community and entangle Sasha in a conflict that tests his values and personal relationships.

Conflicts escalate as Mansurov sets unrealistic production quotas, which the collective farms cannot meet due to insufficient infrastructure.

Among his critics is Sasha Komelev (played by Oleg Tabakov), the son of the district's former secretary.

Sasha courts Katya Zelentsova, a member of a youth brigade, and their relationship seems headed for marriage.

In the film’s conclusion, Katya overhears Mansurov scheming during a party meeting and, devastated, cannot hold back her tears.