Musician Gaston Brenner gets accepted to study under piano virtuoso Jean Krause. Through this he becomes acquainted with the painter and professor Mac Steep who is working on a painting of Christ at the last supper. He thinks Gaston's face would be perfect as a model for Christ's.

Butcher Charles Svensson (Thor Modéen) bets on the horses and wins the jackpot. He finds high society is not immediately appreciative of the newly rich.

Mr. and Mrs. Gyurkovics have a dozen children the oldest of which, the twins Géza and Bandi, just preparing for their matriculation examination. When graduation day has come Géza refuses to set up but taken by force by the principal's henchmen. When dad Gyurkovics later dies, takes over Bandi goods while Géza becoming an officer cadet in the nearby garrison city.

The story takes its beginning in 1518 , the Danish King Christian II has taken Sweden. Sten Sture the younger appeal to all loyal subjects to resist. The offer reaches the farmer Mats Waltersson in Dalarna , Sweden's heart and he gathers his men. Dalmas were going from house to house, they do not want a Dane on the throne. At Brännkyrka outside Stockholm is a battle between the Danes and Swedes. Swedes win and the Swedish riksbaneret out during the Battle of Gustav Eriksson Vasa.

Countess Hedvig von Wärnfelt receives her orphaned niece Marianne to bring her up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Marianne is a spirited and vibrant young girl who is also an aspiring actress. The Countess is dismayed by her uneducated behavior and treats her severely.

The wealthy hat maker Cederström has two daughters, Marianne and Lotte. He has decided that Marianne should marry Melander even though she loves the poet Malm. Lotte on the other hand loves Melander.