Michael Rostof, a young officer serving in the Tsar's army in pre-1914 St. Petersburg, strikes up a deep emotional bond with Nina Petrovna.

To hide the real reason from him, Petrovna pretends to abandon Rostof because he cannot afford to supply her with expensive clothes and jewels, sneering at his well meaning gift of some shoes.

Shortly afterwards when Beranoff arrives to call on Petrovna in expectation of resuming their relationship, he discovers she has killed herself- wearing the shoes Rostof brought her.

The German sound version featured a theme song entitled "Einmal Sagt Man Sich Adieu" with music by Willy Schmidt-Gentner and lyrics by Fritz Rotter.

The English sound version featured a theme song entitled “Nina” by Herbert James (words) and Cecil Rayners (music).