The final part of Hella Wuolijoki's family saga. After Aarne dies in the war, his sisters want to divide up the Niskavuori farm. The Karelians also want their share of the inheritance. However, Loviisa wants to leave behind an independent and viable farm. Based on a play by Hella Wuolijoki from 1953.

Waitress Saara meets handsome journalist Joni, and soon moves in to live with him. Joni tries his best to satisfy Saara sexually but, disturbed by violent lesbian fantasies, she is unable to experience orgasm. Trying to cope with the situation, Saara has another brief affair back in her old home town.

Two brothers, two different lifestyles collide. Eero is a young married man who opens up a print shop and struggles to get it going. Eki is a student with Marxist ideas, although he dates the daughter of a wealthy shipowner.