In the Tula Oblast's infantry regiment, a place where the high-ranking officer, Lieutenant Grigory Kolokoltsev serves, a heinous crime takes place. Following a thorough investigation, a soldier is identified as the culprit and subsequently brought before a drumhead court-martial to face trial and, ultimately, execution.
Driven by his strong conviction in progressive ideals, Lieutenant Kolokoltsev is determined to seek help from an unexpected source – none other than Count Tolstoy. Deeply moved by the impassioned plea for justice, Count Tolstoy commits himself wholeheartedly to the cause, vowing to fight tirelessly to protect the innocent soldier from the clutches of an unfair and unjust destiny.