Ionytch is an idealistic young doctor who is infatuated with Katya, the lovely daughter of the wealthy Turkin family. The eccentric Turkin family delights in throwing parties and Ionytch is often in attendance. Katya has inherited her father's penchant for practical jokes, never taking the young doctor seriously. She aspires to be a concert pianist and turns down his proposal of marriage. The dejected doctor returns home and his youthful idealism is gradually replaced by materialistic pursuits. As he builds up a successful practice, he gradually neglects his patients. Katya returns home one day, and again the doctor is invited to one of their many social affairs. Having given up on her dream of being a pianist, she lets the doctor know she would be interested in marriage. Unfortunately, too much time has passed, and the flame of love the doctor once carried for the girl has died out. The film is based on the short story by celebrated Russian author Anton Chekhov.