Moscow, 1950s. Levitsky earned a reputation as an undefeated lawyer. However, his old acquaintance, the influential prosecutor Gromov, does not like his professionalism. Even more than the disputes in the courtroom, he is offended that Zina, whom he adores, rejected his feelings, eventually chose this upstart Levitsky. After another conflict between rivals, Gromov fabricates a false accusation, according to which the lawyer is sent to a camp in the Irkutsk region. Zina leaves her prosperous life in the capital without hesitation and goes after her beloved.