Tzeno Kandov

The beginning of the 18th century. Bulgaria is under the Ottoman bondage. The monks of the Monastery of Hilendar on Mount Athos warn the young monk Paisiy to beware of the "pestilent chapel". On his deathbed, the abbot conjures Paisiy to search for Slavonic books. The young monk goes from one monastery to another in search of ancient books. He breaks into the "pestilent chapel" and finds there stacks of old Bulgarian books telling of the wisdom of Bulgarians kings, and of the power and civilization of the Bulgarian Empire and its past glory. His fellow-monks try to burn the books but Paisiy manages to escape. His Slav-Bulgarian History circulates in handwritten copies through the captive country and the Bulgarians becomes truly aware of their national identity.

Scenes from the life and revolutionary activity of poet Nikola Vaptzarov are shown against the background of political life in Bulgaria on the eve of World War II.

Bulgaria is on the eve of World War I. King Ferdinand survives an attempt on his life thanks of high-school teacher Irina Radionova. The monarch is generous in his gratitude. He assures the teacher that he will not permit Bulgaria's involvement in a war. Back in the village where she lives, Radionova learns that war has just been declared. Her son Boyan has to leave for the front. Irina becomes a nurse. At the front, Boyan is facing trial for having taken the side of mutinous soldiers. Irina goes to the King to beg for clemency. Ferdinand promises to do something about it. However, when Irina arrives back, the presiding judge tells her that the sentence has already been carried out and hands her the telegram from the King. It says that His Majesty has graciously condescended to command that Irina Radionova be granted permission to receive the body of her son