The story is a trademark von Stroheim clash of classes and desires. Out on horseback Wolfram (Walter Byron) met Kelly in a nun-led procession of orphans. At night, he sets fire to their convent and kidnaps Kelly to his palace apartment. Candles and cross-fades underline Kelly’s apparent rapture, until the queen discovers them and, in a jaw-dropping sequence, propels Kelly to the door with lashings from a riding crop.