In this monumental Romanian film, a large family and its many generations vie for advantage, seeking to win the inheritance sure to be left behind by a wealthy older man of the clan. This movie is based on a popular novel by George Calinescu, and is similar in some ways to England's BBC television series, The Forsythe Saga, based on Galsworthy's books. Along the way, stories of friendship, love and rivalry emerge. In one story, a poor young man is disappointed in love as his girl chooses lucre over love in selecting a mate.

Felix Sima vine la București pentru a urma cursurile Facultății de Medicină. Stă în casa unchiului său Costache Giurgiuveanu, înconjurat de indivizi meschini care de-abia așteaptă moartea unchiului și împărțirea averii sale.