In Imperial Russia, Anna, wife of the officer Karenin, goes to Moscow to visit her brother. On the way, she meets charming cavalry officer Vronsky, to whom she's immediately attracted. But in St. Petersburg’s high society, a relationship like this could destroy a woman’s reputation.

The jealous prince Manihiki has to go on a journey and leaves his wife in the custody of his servant. The princess Vjera escapes and meets the count Ivan. They spend three weeks of blissful seclusion.