It Happened in Penkovo

The story opens with Matvey Morozov on his way back to the village after serving time. He is calm but recollects the events that shaped his life. The film frames the tale as a recollection, setting Penkovo as the backdrop for his memories.

In Penkovo, Matvey is a funny, likeable man whose jokes sometimes land him in trouble. He works as a tractor driver on a collective farm and navigates small-town life with humor and mischief. His charm hides a tendency to invite trouble.

He organizes a village tug-of-war using tractors, which ends with him breaking his own tractor. The stunt nearly lands him in criminal trouble and threatens his future on the kolkhoz. The incident marks a turning point that tests his fate in the community.

Matvey falls for Larissa, the daughter of the kolkhoz chairman. Their romance faces opposition from Larissa's father, but their wedding soon follows. The marriage solidifies his standing in Penkovo while foreshadowing new tensions.

Tonya, a recently graduated livestock specialist, arrives at the farm with modern education and a sharper worldview. She challenges old ways and becomes involved in progressive changes in village life. Her presence introduces tension and new possibilities for the community.

Tonya leads national-style changes in the village and inspires young people to build a new club. She wears city fashions and rejects the old rural dress, symbolizing a break with tradition. Her activism accelerates a shift toward modernization.

Matvey is attracted to Tonya, recognizing her education and city sensibilities. Tonya returns his feelings but tells him she cannot break his marriage. The attraction strains the existing relationship with Larissa.

Larissa becomes terribly jealous of Tonya and the attention Matvey gives her. The rivalry between Tonya and Larissa intensifies, setting the stage for a drastic attempt to remove a rival. The village atmosphere thickens with personal conflict.

Alevtina, a gossip and owner of a local unofficial club, convinces Larissa to poison Tonya's tea. The plan reflects the dangerous lengths of jealousy and ambition in the village. The moment marks a critical dark turn in the tale.

At the last moment, Larissa changes her mind and knocks the poisoned cup away from Tonya. The near-tragic incident reveals her internal conflict between love and insecurity. The action foils Alevtina's malicious plan for the moment.

Larissa informs Matvey about the poison plot and her moment of uncertainty. The confession deepens his sense of danger and responsibility for his rivals. It also unsettles their already fragile relationship.

In vengeance and fear, Matvey locks Alevtina half-naked in the basement, causing minor injuries. The punishment triggers legal troubles and an entry into custody. His act underscores the film's themes of loyalty and heat-of-the-moment justice.

As a consequence of his impulsive punishment, Matvey lands in jail. The harsh reality of power and anger reshapes his life and choices. The village community watches his fate unfold.

After his time away, Matvey joyfully returns to Penkovo and his wife Larissa. They welcome a newborn son, restoring a sense of family and hope for the future. The conclusion ties together love, community, and the cost of pride.