A Philosophical Story

Miss Elis has in her lodgings students from Litomyšl: the philosophers Frýbort, Vavřena, Špína, and Zelenka. The aggressive Frýbort and the quiet Špína are in love with Márinka, the daughter of landlady Krupková. Špína is unable to make clear his feelings for Márinka and he suffers from her lack of interest. Vavřena is in love with Lenka, the ward of Actuary Roubínek. But the Roubíneks would rather see him give his preference to their daughter Lotty. By order of Metternich, the philosopher's May Festival is cancelled as a purely Czech festival. But the students celebrate the festival anyway with the participation of the whole town. The tenants of Miss Elis are subjected to school detention as punishment. Špína, unsuccessful in his final exams and in his relationship with Márinka, leaves to the Prague monastery The Brothers of Mercy. The year 1848 brings through the establishment of a constitution new life even to tranquil Litomyšl. Frýbort and Vavřena become officers of the student's legion which sets off to assist Prague tevolting against Austrian absolutism. On the barricades opposing the Windischgrätz units is even Špína, as a priest. After the defeat of the revolution Frýbort and Vavřena flee for home. Špína, however, falls in the battle. After a time the students return to Litomyšl. Frýbort proposes to Márinka and Vavřena becomes engaged to Lenka.