During the Russian occupation of Chełmno Land, Colonel Gubaniew rules with an iron fist. The soldier takes a liking to a local girl, Basia (Lili Lyana), but she pays no attention to his advances, as she is in love with a student, Janek, and he reciprocates her feelings. Feeling rejected, Gubaniew begins to take revenge on Basia, her family, and the local residents.