Part one of an ambitious screen adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf's book Jerusalem.

The Nazis seize power and occupies a country. A celebrated pianist returns home from abroad during this time of national crisis and reconnects with Major von Ritter who leads the occupation and whom she had a passionate love affair in the past.

A story about poverty, unrequited love and manslaughter.

Imber has a child with the dubious fiancé Erland. He is destructive and his unhealthy lifestyle subjects his family to starvation and the death of their child. Imber falls in love with Arne and a settlement between Arne and Erland unfolds.

Dr. Glas is visited by Mrs. Gregorius who lives in an unhappy marriage and decides to help her, by any means necessary.