A comedy about Krushchev's 'Virgin Lands' project, to transform the barren and inhospitable spaces of the vast Soviet Union into fertile agricultural plains. A classically Socialist-Realist narrative of an individual's 're-education'. Zhenia, a hapless idler, arrives with a band of enthusiastic young Konsomol members to build a new town in the steppe. Although his dream, like that of all the young participants, is 'to become a tractor driver and a hero', he isn't prepared to work for the honour.

Ichthyologist Tonya Tikhonova and the chief engineer of the fishery plant, Ryazanov, are heading to the fishing seiner "Squall" (Shkval). Tonya loves Ryazanov, and this love frightens her. Ryazanov is also the object of affection of Panna, the wife of Ermak, the captain of the seiner. "Squall" is on course for Krutaya Bay — promising a good catch. Ryazanov and Panna go to the bay to check the composition of the plankton.