The film is about the struggle against political and cultural backwardness in the remote corners of Ukraine in the mid-1920s. Hysyar, a witch doctor, is the most popular person in the small village of Haniivka.  Gysyar fills his wallet at the expense of gullible and backward villagers, but his "healing" only cripples them with impunity. This brings him into irreconcilable conflict with Marina, a paramedic who has come to the village from the city. To get rid of his unwanted competitor, Hysyar, with the help of the nurse's sister, steals the keys to the cooperative from Marina's fiancé, and plants the stolen goods in Marina's apartment. In despair, Marina commits suicide. An investigative commission that arrives from the city uncovers Hysyar's criminal activities. The witch doctor is put on trial.