After school, Xinhua Primary School was quiet until Principal Lin Zheng heard arguing between fifth-graders Hua Xiaochuan and Fang Mingzhu. Fang was supervising Hua, who was late, as he did chores. Hua’s friend Zhang Chen wanted to help, but Fang refused, causing an argument. Principal Lin believed labour as punishment was ineffective and should be replaced with work-study programs, as instructed by the municipal party committee. He assigned Hong Dawei to lead the program, but Teacher Jiang opposed it, emphasising classroom education. Despite initial resistance, students participated in tire-moving labour, training teachers, parents, and students. Three students took sick leave, fueling Teacher Jiang’s objections. Principal Lin and the academic director found some parents were overly indulgent. Secretary Liu commended their efforts and encouraged them to continue.

Principal of a reformatory school leads a lost boy back on the right direction.

Farmer Luo Xiaoshan is unlucky in love.

The story of Yu Mei, a female communist who sacrifices her life for the good of her people.

Two famous comedians from pre-Revolution days perform a series of sketches in a theatre for a group of Party cadres. The stage performances blend over into absurdist, self-contained fantasy episodes where the two comics allegorically parody Party propaganda and ideological orthodoxy.

Women play a heroic role in the Volunteer Army fighting the Japanese in the puppet state of Manchukuo.

Yang Bailao, a tenant farmer, lives with his daughter Xi'er. The despotic landlord, Huang Shiren, attempts to forcibly take Xi'er for himself. On the eve of the Chinese Spring Festival, Huang forces Yang to sell his daughter as repayment of the debt Yang owes him.