His obsession with rigid drill, instant obedience and martinet discipline extends not only to his soldiers but also to his courtiers and even the servants who scrub the palace corridors.

A slip of the pen by an army clerk, when drawing up a list of officers for promotion, leads to the creation of a Lieutenant Kijé.

The Emperor's aide cries out when engaged in amorous play with Princess Gagarina's companion, awakening the sleeping Paul.

The non-existent Lieutenant Kijé is blamed, flogged in front of the assembled Imperial Guard and sent under escort to a fortress in Siberia.

Reprieved by the Emperor at the request of Princess Gagarina, Kijé returns to Saint Petersburg and is rapidly promoted to colonel and then general.