Based on the novel of the same name by Konstantin Fedin. 1910. A small town in the Volga region. Kirill Izvekov, a student of a technical school, is only looking for his place in life, and revolutionary struggle is unfolding around him.

The film takes place in 1919 in Saratov. Student Kirill Izvekov becomes Commissioner of the Red Army and participates in the battle with Wrangel and the capture of the city.