The film takes place during the pre-revolutionary years and the initial period of the Soviet regime. At a monastery shelter in one of Russia's western towns, orphan Yulka gives birth to a son from the shepherd Jerome. Matron of the shelter Pavlikha as directed by the father kills the newborn baby and disposes of the corpse in the Jewish Quarter. The Black Hundreds are spreading the rumor that the murder was committed by the Jews for ritual purposes. Mayhem arises which is supported by the authorities of the city. The church refuses to shelter Jews fleeing from the violent thugs.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Nikolay KutuzovIeronim Desnitskiy | Ieronim Desnitskiy |
 Nina LiMariyka | Mariyka |
| AAleksey PirogovCommissar Galinskiy | Commissar Galinskiy |
 Naum RogozhinShur, the vicar | Shur, the vicar |
| TT. SinitsynaYulka, Mariyka's sister | Yulka, Mariyka's sister |
| VV. KiselyovaPavlikha | Pavlikha |
 Vladimir KrigerArchbishop | Archbishop |
| MM. StrikovskiyKsendz | Ksendz |
 Karl Gurnyak(uncredited) | (uncredited) |
 Yevgeni ChervyakovKsendz | Ksendz |
 Raisa YesipovaJewish girl (uncredited) | Jewish girl (uncredited) |
 Pyotr SavinHooligan (uncredited) | Hooligan (uncredited) |
| LLev IvanovThe rioter (uncredited) | The rioter (uncredited) |
| VViktor LebedevOfficer (uncredited) | Officer (uncredited) |
 Pavel PoltoratskiyHis Excellency (uncredited) | His Excellency (uncredited) |