A retired professor has returned to his estate to live with his beautiful young wife, Yelena. The estate originally belonged to his first wife, now deceased; her mother and brother still live there and manage the farm. For many years the brother—Uncle Vanya—has sent the farm's proceeds to the professor, while receiving only a small salary himself.

A brilliant fellow, Platonov, and he might be a good husband, too — if only women would let him.

An exploration of the relationship between two couples from different social classes: one wealthy and Conservative, one poor and socialist.