Gregory Novik, an ambitious Russian peasant who is hated by his fellow villagers, enjoys his hypnotic power over women, including Inez, the wife of revolutionary leader Raff. Gregory leaves disguised as a monk, and while drinking with a secret service agent, betrays Raff, who is captured. The agent persuades Gregory to go to St. Petersburg, where Gregory becomes known as Rasputin and converts a following of prominent people to his teachings that the inhibition of physical cravings is evil. When the young Czarevitch develops an illness that doctors diagnose as incurable, Rasputin saves him, but warns that he must always stay near him. Sixteen years later, during World War I, Rasputin, who flaunts his immense power, conspires with the Germans to cripple the Russian army. After Princess Sonia repulses Rasputin's advances, he lures Raff's daughter Ilda to his room and is embracing her when a message comes from Sonia.