A Russian-born journalist, Klim Rogov, makes a brilliant career for himself in prosperous Argentina. He has no plans to return to his homeland, but in 1917, his father leaves him an inheritance, and in order to claim it, Klim undertakes a perilous trip to Russia, which is in the throes of a war with Germany. Klim hopes to retrieve his fortune and escape the country as soon as possible, but then the Bolsheviks seize power, and he is forced to change his plans because of Nina, the woman with whom he has fallen in love. She is in danger under the new government as an enemy of the working people - she bears a noble title, has dealings with the black market, and helps the White rebels. Klim is fully aware that if he stays with Nina, he will probably share her grim fate, yet he decides to take a chance and try to find a way to save her.