The year is 1864, and the young officer cadet Felix courageously throws himself at the prussian troops in Fredericia. From there, his regiment is ordered to travel to Dybbøl, where fierce battles against the German forces are awaiting them. While staying at a farm, Felix meets the farmer's daughter Karen who will later save his life.

Magda, a piano teacher, meets Knud, a parson’s son, who invites her to spend the summer at his parents’ parsonage. When a travelling circus stops in the village, Magda leaves the meek Knud for the dashing circus rider Rudolf. But circus life with Rudolf quickly turns out to be anything but happy, and Magda comes to a tragic end.