Sergei Rassatov

To thwart the manipulative habits of his flirtatious young wife, an old man reads the invaluable book, 'One Thousand and One Feminine Ruses - Practical Directions for Elderly Husbands.' Thanks to the book, the husband manages to foil many of his fickle partner's plans, but she's determined to have the last word.

The picture tells the story of Maria, a devoted wife of a bank employee. The couple has a cozy life; they have a baby but he is cared for by their maid so Maria can spend her time doing terrific things like going shopping. During one of these consumer afternoons, Maria meets by chance an old friend, Lidia, who will introduce her to exclusive idle class social circles. Soon Maria's beauty attracts the interest of Lebedev, a rich old libertine. From that point on Maria suffers continual sexual harassment (worthy of inclusion in any silent film encyclopedia article on beleaguered heroines) which she resists for a time. In the end, however, she falls into his bourgeois claws.