Anatoly Yefremovich Novoseltsev is a single father of two, working at a statistical institution and living strictly "from paycheck to paycheck." Modest, shy, and downtrodden, he does not dare approach his authoritarian boss to ask for a promotion. Meanwhile, Lyudmila Prokofyevna Kalugina literally lives at work, devoting herself to her beloved job so completely that she has had to sacrifice her personal life. Her subordinates call the strict, hard-hearted, and grumbling woman "Our Frump" behind her back, which quite accurately reflects her character.
The arrival of the new deputy director, Yuri Samokhvalov, brings significant changes to the orderly life of the organization. Being an energetic man, Samokhvalov advises his old university classmate Novoseltsev to "make a pass at" Kalugina in order to melt her icy heart. Though initially horrified by the idea, Anatoly Yefremovich gradually begins to understand that beneath the mask of an "iron lady" lies a very pleasant and friendly woman, worthy of love.
