The film was made under the terms of the partition agreement and with the participation of Władysław Reymont. However, numerous cuts and alterations detracted from the film's educational intent. Only Mieczysław Frenkel, who made his screen debut with this film, received praise. The film has not survived to this day, all copies burned during World War II.

The struggle between poor villagers, who are eager to build a co-operative mill and a cultural centre, and the village wealthy men - the miller and the kulaks - who are desperate to stop the farmers.

Bielecki becomes determined to become a famous writer, but the means he employs in achieving his goal are far from ethical. Bielecki discourages his friend Jerzy Gorski by telling him his new work is rather poor, driving him into despair. But Bielecki is such a good friend that he even provides Gorski with the morphine so he can overdose too. With Gorski out of the way, Bielecki can now peddle his friend's book as his own. However, it doesn't take long for Bielecki's evil ways to catch up to him.

Jozef visits a dilapidated Sanatorium to see his father. Jozef undertakes a strange journey through the many rooms of the sanatorium, each which conjures worlds composed of his memories, dreams and nightmares.

Young Frederic Chopin comes of age during a tumultous time in Polish history.