There Is Such a Lad

On the Chuisky Tract near Gorno-Altaysk, Pashka is hired by a kolkhoz chairman to transport timber. He meets Nastya, a reserved librarian, and begins courting her. Nastya remains indifferent and prefers her suitor Gena, leading to an awkward confrontation. Pashka accepts her rejection and reflects on his unlucky love life.

Despite his efforts, Nastya remains aloof and uninterested in a relationship. Pashka keeps pursuing her, showing stubborn optimism. In a rare moment of generosity, he even urges Gena to reconcile with Nastya, revealing his own capacity for care despite being rejected.

On a routine ride, Pashka picks up a city woman who lectures him about household culture. He initially refuses her payment, feeling insulted by her husband's dismissive remark. In response, he demands an exaggerated fare to prove a point and navigate the put-down.

He visits his old acquaintance Katya hoping to reignite their friendship. Katya rejects his advances, and they clash in a heated discussion about modern relationships. The encounter underscores Pashka's ongoing difficulty with romantic expectations.

That night, their landlady tells a story of a driver who met a spectral woman in white—a personification of Death. The tale haunts Pashka and blends with his romantic longing for Nastya. The line between love, life, and mortality feels thinner.

Pashka dreams of Nastya appearing as Death, merging his fear of loss with his longing for her. The dream blurs the boundary between romance and existential dread, leaving him unsettled yet awake. He wakes with a heightened awareness of life's fragility.

During a routine trip with Kondrat Stepanovich, Pashka acts as a matchmaker and introduces Kondrat to a widow named Anisya, sparking a budding romance between them. The episode shows Pashka's desire to help others find happiness even as he grapples with his own heartbreak. It hints at a growing sense of responsibility.

During a routine trip, a fire erupts at a fuel depot. While others flee, Pashka heroically drives the burning truck away from the depot to prevent a catastrophic explosion. His daring act saves lives and property, but he sustains injuries in the effort. The incident marks a turning point, highlighting both his courage and vulnerability.

In the hospital, a journalist from Leningrad interviews him, drawing out his modest heroism and charm. The conversation sparks a playful, informal connection between them as he recalls the ordeal. The encounter opens a window to public recognition of his experiences.

A retired teacher visits and urges him to pursue knowledge and find joy in simplicity. The conversation broadens Pashka’s view of life beyond romance and danger. It plants a seed of curiosity about learning and contentment.

The film ends with Pashka dreaming of Nastya again, but this time she appears as Love rather than Death. The vision motivates him to persevere and seek fulfillment in life beyond heartbreak. He wakes ready to pursue a brighter future.