The Route

Kopřivnice Tatra truck company drivers testing new trucks have to leave for North Siberia. The Tatra trucks, performing well in Czechoslovakia, break down in frosty Siberia. The group is led by an experienced driver Šembera. The young men cope differently with the severe conditions, one of them, Sláveček Žlabíček, is even recommended to leave for home and he does so. Karel Vojta is a beau of the group. Wherever he comes, he has girlfriend. Right after the arrival at the station he notices a young doctor Rita. Karel starts to court her, though he has a serious rival, Rita's ex-husband who is still in love with her. The initial Karel's flirt turns in a real love. Karel adapts well to the natural conditions and is doing well at work, too. He comes to visit Rita in his leisure time. One night, the doctor is called to assist in a serious injury at a three-hour-distant place. She has a car crash and dies in fire in an ambulance. Karel and her ex-husband Arkadij only helplessly watch the flames causing the tragedy. The Czech drivers' stay is coming to the end. During the several months they revealed the weak spots in the truck construction and improved the truck to be suitable for Siberia. The Czechs part with their new friends and look forward to their homes. Only Karel and Arkadij do not talk, they, united, recall the beloved woman.