Ariane 1931

Exiled Russian student Ariane Kusnetzowa has just graduated from high school in Zurich and travels to Berlin to pursue her studies. During a visit to the opera, she encounters the well-mannered and much older Konstantin Michael, a charming, though somewhat reserved, bon vivant. He begins to woo her, and the young, initially shy girl tries to impress him by posing as a seasoned adventuress who already has some experience with men.

Konstantin makes his point of view clear to Ariane from the start. > I won’t be staying here long. One day I will leave on a journey and never return. But I would like to spend this short time with you, Ariane Kuznetzowa.

Ariane gets drawn into this game in the hope of one day binding this enigmatic man, who exudes a powerful charisma, to her forever. She does not want to admit the love she feels for him yet. After a holiday together in Italy, the day of departure arrives. This ends in nothing more than an adventure for Konstantin, and he abandons Ariane without batting an eyelid. A world collapses for the girl. Although deeply hurt, she hides it and remains cool when she says goodbye.

Back in Berlin, Ariane weighs how she can seek revenge on Konstantin for this humiliation. The opportunity comes when he returns to Berlin and arranges another meeting. When they face each other, she cannot help but confess her love in a heated argument. Gradually Konstantin begins to understand. Ariane has decided to close the chapter with Konstantin for good. They part at the train station, and as the train begins to move, Ariane follows for a while; then Konstantin makes his decision. At the moment her strength is nearly spent, Konstantin Michael lifts her onto the train, and together they ride toward a shared future.