1953, the Puszta (the flat plain in the east of Hungary). István Pataki, a reluctant member of a collective farm near Debrecen, wishes to return to his former life as a private smallholder. He plans to marry off his daughter, Mari to another smallholder, the loutish Sándor Farkas, in order to increase his land. Mari, however, is unwilling as she loves Máté Bíró, the representative of modernity and an enthusiast for the Collective. Nonetheless, the two lovers, much to their father's annoyance continue to pursue each other.