Anna Jobst is the daughter of a rich, conservative farmer. Living on the bank of the Moldau, she wishes nothing more than follow the river to Prague, the "Golden City". When her father makes a journey, she actually breaks away against his declared will. In Prague, she stays with her aunt, soon to be seduced by her degenerate cousin. This cousin, however, looses interest when news reaches the city that her father has disinherited her. Pregnant and desperate, Anna decides to return home, but is turned away.