Is it worth sacrificing yourself for the sake of someone else's happiness?

The drama of the life of a "small man", a modest toiler.

The rural landowner Ivan Voynitsky and his niece have been working hard for many years. She calls his uncle Vanya. All the income from the estate they send to the former husband of the landlord's sister.

He seemed to them an outstanding man, a great scientist. They read his scientific works and were horrified. Just "old biscuit, learned wolf"!

A scientist is visiting the estate. With him is a beautiful young wife, in whom Voynitsky falls in love. He starts drinking for the first time.

But the scientist did not appreciate the assistance of the landlord, he plans to sell the estate and buy a dacha for himself. The fate of Uncle Vanya and his niece does not interest him.

Voinitsky is struck by ingratitude. He put his whole life on this estate! Refused from family happiness, lived in the backwater ...

Now they, former relatives, have become enemies. The bitterness of broken hopes ... Did Uncle Vanya have lived his life in vain?