The character of Michael Perrin is most wonderfully portrayed by Ermete Novelli, the greatest of great actors, the idol of the European stage. We see him loudly applauded by his ardent admirers before he retires to assume the disguise of his famous role. The first scene opens in the humble abode of the poor parish priest Michael Perrin, who is bidding farewell to his sister and her daughter, Theresa. He takes them to the stagecoach and after many tears and embraces, finally sees them off on their return to Paris, and then wends his way homeward. It is several months later, while Michael is in the schoolroom of the church, engaged in teaching the little children to master the first stroke of the pen, the villagers are aroused by the approaching Republican troops. In a short time they enter the schoolroom and, regardless of Father Perrin's pleadings, they turn him and the children out and set fire to the old church.