An elderly professor, Serebrakoff, and his glamorous second wife, Helena, visit the rural estate that supports their urban lifestyle. Two friends, Vanya and Astrov, are infatuated with the enchanting Helena. Vanya is the brother of the Professor's late first wife. He has long managed the estate. Astrov is the local doctor. Sonya, the Professor's daughter by his first wife, has worked with Vanya to maintain the estate. She suffers from the knowledge of her lack of beauty, and from her unrequited feelings for Dr. Astrov. Matters are brought to a crisis when the Professor announces his intention to sell the estate which is home to Vanya and Sonya.