The corrupt, squabbling bureaucrats of a provincial Russian hamlet are suddenly shocked to learn that a Government Inspector is about to pay them a visit—incognito. In this panic they jump to the conclusion that a young stranger recently arrived at the hotel is the Inspector, and they set out to woo him with hospitality, bribes and even the hand of the major's daughter. Actually the young visitor is a penniless clerk—but he is more than willing to accept, with no little cynicism, the largesse which is suddenly showered on him. When their error is discovered the local officials fall to squabbling again, this time over who is to blame for their costly mistake, only to be interrupted by the ominous news that the real Government Inspector has arrived and requests their immediate presence in the name of the Emperor!
