Television version of the play based on the comedy by N. Gogol "The Inspector" performed by the State Academic Maly Theater of the USSR.

The film tells the life story of the famous Russian scientist, researcher, traveler and pioneer Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay. The film shows the most interesting moments from the life of a scientist and his travels. Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay was the first to land in New Guinea, getting acquainted with the aborigines, their customs. Among the natives of New Guinea, Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay lives for several years. The scientist also falls in love with the daughter of the Vice President of Australia, the film shows the relationship between Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay and his lover.

A female commissar is sent to the naval detachment, led by the anarchist Vozhak, on behalf of the Party Central Committee. She is tasked with subordinating the sailors to the cause of the revolution.