The head of the regional inspectorate of architectural and construction control, Veprev, writes a critical article to the central newspaper about shortcomings in local construction, thereby causing dissatisfaction with the regional leadership. They find an excuse to release Veprev from his post. But the intervention of one of the journalists in the case helps to restore justice.

Mr. Puntilla is kind to his servants only when he's drunk, and at other times, they endure nothing but insults from him. However, the servant Matti manages to preserve his human dignity...

The action takes place during the years of the Civil War in the Urals. It is difficult for the young woman Nadia Korneeva to make sense of the events unfolding around her. Having endured much grief and gone through numerous trials, she decides to join a Red Guard unit.