The plot revolves around the famous Soviet director Zvonarev, who wants to make a film based on the works of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. However, he is invited by the authorities and strongly recommended to make an epic film about a Soviet collective farm. Unable to refuse, Zvonarev reluctantly agrees. His colleague and friend, the controversial director Kuzmenko, believes that Zvonarev has compromised himself for the system. They argue and fight. Meanwhile, Zvonarev's wife wants to act in a new film.