The reign of Tsar Paul I and the intrigues of his friend, Governor Pahlen, to rid the country of the mad despot by plotting to have him murdered.

A dark episode in Russian history. Around the Tsar, a fatalist debauchery, is weaving a conspiracy hatched by his chancellor. There is the Minister of Police; the Tzarevitch which is used; beautiful artists, familiar to the Emperor. Conflicting feelings come and go: hate, pity, love. At the time of the drama, the degraded Sovereign regains his dignity, he will not sign his abdication. A shot responds to his refusal, he is dead. But the patriotic chancellor, who worked for the greatness of Russia, fell in his turn, executed by the Tzarevich. You don't hit the Tsar with impunity.