In the 19th century Russia, the life of entire provincial town changes both comedic and dramatically after the arrival of high-ranked secret police officer, investigating an anonymous accusation of state treason.

The arrival of a hussar regiment stirs a small town into life. The love of cornet Pletnev for the young actress Nastenka unexpectedly intertwines with the machinations of Merzlyayev, an official on a visit from St. Petersburg to monitor the hussars' loyalty.