After the death of his father, a sea captain, Ilka got even closer to his mother and older sister. Increasingly, he consults with them and reads his poems, laughing while closing his eyes. Zoya, who was in love with Yura Borikovsky, a student of the nautical school, gave him, with the consent of her brother, a cherished notebook with poems to look at. But the very next day, Ilka is forced to take her back, from Yura, who turned out to be a scoundrel.

The movie takes place during Russia's civil war between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and the Whites (Mensheviks). Andrejka and Yarinka are a young betrothed couple in the village of Malinovka, caught between the battle lines. Gritsian is the leader of a Menshevik band who are planning to attack the village. Yarinka appeals to the local Bolshevik commander for his faction's help. The Bolsheviks quickly come up with a plan to save the village... but the plan requires Yarinka to enter into a pretend marriage with Gritsian.