The seeming hopelessness of combatting an all-powerful government that will not tolerate political dissension is the focus of this excellent historical drama set in the mid-19th century in Hungary. In the opening scenes, Hungary has just lost its bid for independence from Austria and a Magyar officer, unable to bear the tragedy of defeat and what it means, says an affectionate good-bye to his beloved horse and then shoots the animal and himself. Two years later, Ferenc (Gyorgy Cserhalmi) is trying to eke out a living for his wife and her family -- and at the same time avoid any hint of sympathy for Hungarian independence because the Secret Police are everywhere. Just as life seems to be going well, Ferenc's former commanding officer (Lajos Oze) arrives and begins discussing revolution again -- a futile pursuit at this point in time. The next day, Ferenc is thrown into an insane asylum and everyone else is arrested as well.

Ferenc Gergó met Béla Nagy in the army, who later appeared at his workplace, a rural communications technology factory, as a counterintelligence officer, and played a major role in Gergó being sent to death row in 1958. Here he recalls what happened. Gergó fell in love with Zsuzsa, the wife of his friend, chief engineer Wágner. However, before their conflict could unfold, Wágner was arrested on suspicion of espionage and died in prison. Zsuzsa rejected Gergó's advances for a while and raised her child alone. After rekindling their relationship, they get married. On their honeymoon, they learn of the outbreak of the revolution. On their way home, they take part in one of the revolutionaries' actions. Gergó becomes a member of the factory workers' council. He saves Nagy from being lynched. In November, the factory is surrounded by soldiers. Gergó is also arrested...