The wealthy De Roquevilles, the family of alcoholic veteran Jean Laurent, and that of farmer Godard; all have to deal with the outbreak of the Great War. To complicate things even more, Godard's daughter Anny falls in love with young Mario Laurent, who turns out to have inherited some of his father's vices. First part of Maurits Binger's epic silent trilogy.

Anny helps Mario escape from prison after his attempted murder of Gaston de Roqueville, who is now married to Ninette. Banker Sorga, an enemy spy, attempts to steal Mario's latest invention: a powerful explosive that could alter the course of the war. Second part of Maurits Binger's epic trilogy, now considered lost.

On their hike, the two friends Hans and Richard arrive in the Black Forest village of Sankt Christoph on the eve of St. Cecilia's Day, where they find accommodation in the house of the respected cathedral choirmaster Blasius Römer. There they meet his employee Bärbele, who is in love with Blasius Römer. A little later, the attractive Malwine arrives in the village from Berlin and sets her sights on Hans. However, Malwine is rejected by Hans on the evening of the Cäcilienfest dance, who decides in favor of Bärbele, who is shunned by the locals as the niece of the 'Muhme', a woman known as a 'witch'.

Ducrot and Ninette accuse Mario and Anny of owing their wealth to the murderous effects of Mario's bombs. Anny leaves for the front to care for the wounded. Third part of Maurits Binger's epic silent trilogy. Most of the film is considered lost – a single fragment remains.