An American actress temporarily stops in Warsaw on her way to Japan, where she gets acquainted with the Polish writer.

Young Poland period in Kraków before WWI. Young doctor Edward comes back from Paris and meets his friends belonging to artistic bohema.

A descendant of a noble family takes the side of the proletariat, fighting against the mistreatment of factory owners and the oppresion from the Tsar during the 1905 revolution.

Small Polish village straight after WWII. Young man Zenek injured and awarded with Cross of Valour during partisan fight is torn between staying loyal to his partisan comrades (continuing their fight) and his own beliefs.

When it is discovered that the Zygmunt mine in Upper Silesia has been deemed unprofitable and is to be closed by flooding, the miners go on strike and a violent demonstration ensues.