It Happened in Penkovo

Plot

Matvey Morozov on his way home from prison recalls his story:

Matvey, a tractor-driver, lives in the village of Penkovo. He is a funny guy, but sometimes his jokes bring him to trouble. Once he sets up a tug-of-war on tactors, breaks his tractor and nearly escapes criminal charges for that. Matvey is in love with the daughter of the chairman of the collective farm, Larissa, though her father strongly opposes their relationship. But soon Matvey and Larissa get married.

Tonya, a livestock specialist, arrives to the farm from Leningrad. She becomes active in many changes in the life of the villagers, and ispires young people to build a new club.

Matvey falls in love with Tonya, apparently drawn by educated girl from the city, she loves him too and is struggling to contain and hide her feelings. But when he explains his feelings to her, Tonya says she "would not break his marriage". Meanwhile Larissa becomes terribly jealous. Alevtina, a newsmonger and the owner of local unofficial club, persuades Larissa to poison her rival, but at the last moment Larissa changes her mind and strikes the poisoned cup of tea from Tonya's hands. Larissa tells Matvey about it, and he punishes Alevtina for that: he locks her half-naked in the basement, causing minor injuries. Matvey goes to jail for that.

In the end Matvey joyfully returns home to his wife Larissa and a new-born son.

Cast