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.

A young advertising executive decides to focus on success in his life. As he concentrates on building his career, both his family and his colleagues are pushed aside.

Olavi Koskela, a ladies' man, joins the loggers. As a log driver, Olavi travels from place to place, seducing one girl after another and then abandoning them. Only Kyllikki, the daughter of a wealthy family, is able to resist his advances and incites him to challenge another log driver to a race down the rapids. Through Kyllikki, Olavi is forced to face the consequences of his actions and reflect on the meaninglessness of his life.

Irma Auer (Satu Silvo) is a former call-girl, trying to distance herself from the past. In a séance she is told to be 'marked for death', and is afterward threatened by her former pimp and abandoned by her groom, as he learns about her past. Irma attempts to commit suicide, and resurrects at the city morgue after being pronounced dead. After the incident, she wanders out direction-less, being pursued by the doctor who treated her and also a strange, tall man.