en Cuevana 3. Ivan Gromov receives a telegram about his father's imminent death. He returns to his hometown in the country after many years away in the big city. However, he misses the funeral, arriving instead at his empty childhood home. He meets with his brother Semyon and his brother's longtime neighbor and love interest, Valentina, who won't return the latter's affections. A feud over Valentina ensues.