The film is based on the novel by Emilian Stanev (1907-1979) - a sweeping portrayal of the armed rising in 1923. Ivan Kondarev, the protagonist, is a convinced revolutionary prepared to burn down in the struggle for the cause of the people. Here is an intelligent man formed under influence of socialist ideas and the lessons of class warfare. Central to the story are the relations between the members of the large Dzhupunov clan. The young Konstantin Dzhupunov overcomes with a dark passion for the land. His character is revealed especially forcefully. One of Kondarev`s principal foes is the public prosecutor Hristakiev, a blind follower of fascism who uses his power to detain the revolutionary. Hristakiev takes a satanic pleasure in his ideological disputes with Kondarev, set in the prison cell where, taking advantage oh his position of power, he can give vent to his cynical philosophy. Hristina, who is in love with Kondarev but married Dzhupunov, is another noteworthy character.