In June 1946, Stalin launched a major propaganda drive aimed at Russian who had emigrated to the west.Lured by amnesty,a Soviet passport and the opportunity to take part in the post-war reconstruction of the USSR,many,including Alexei Golovine,decide to return to their native land.Alexei,his young French wife Marie,and their son board a steamboat to Odessa.But when they arrive,their dreams are shattered as many of their fellow companions are either executed or sent to work camps.However,Alexei and his family are spared as the authorities realize the value of this young doctor from France.Alexei is sent to Kiev to work in a dispensary in a textile factory.While Alexei submits and accepts his new reality,Marie rejects it and dreams of getting her freedom back.Despite the strength of their love,gradually they grow apart.Marie then meets Gabrielle Develay,a famous French actress who is on tour,passing through Kiev....