Kemel is an idealistic young high-school graduate who takes a job on a collective farm run by Akabir, a former champion tractor driver. He first works as a waterboy before he is given more responsibility. The younger Kemel clashes against Akabir who is set in his old ways, and the outraged Akabir declares that there is not enough room for both he and Kamel. Akabir represents the old ways while young Kemel symbolizes the modern youth who does not blindly follow authority and tradition. This is the first film for noted director Larisa Sheptiko, who made the feature while attending the film institute. The feature took prizes at the All-Union Film Festival in 1963 and the Karlovy-Vary Film Festival in 1964.