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.

A street singer manages to work his way up to the position of an opera artist, only to be struck by fate, and return to his life on the street.

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.