The Night Angel 1931

Arrest and police raid on the tavern

In Prague, the tavern is raided by police and Countess Von Martini is arrested for theft. Rudek Berkem, the city's attorney, prosecutes the case and the arrest exposes a clash between aristocratic privilege and civic authority. The scene sets up the social tensions that drive the early part of the story.

Sentencing and reform plans for Yula

Countess Von Martini is sentenced to two years in prison while her daughter Yula is to be sent to a reform school. The punishment highlights the rigid class divide separating the families. Rudek's mother intervenes and arranges for Yula to enroll in a nursing training program instead.

Yula's nursing training arranged; she resists

Yula is moved toward a nursing training program by Rudek's mother, instead of the reform school. She resists the change, clinging to the life she knows and the world of the tavern. The opposition foreshadows the conflict between personal longing and social expectation.

Rudek visits Yula and falls in love

Rudek visits Yula at the hospital where she trains and falls in love with her. He recognizes the gap between their social classes but cannot deny his feelings. Their romance begins to form within the constraints of their standings.

Countess paroled; Yula returns to the tavern

After the Countess is paroled, Yula returns to the tavern where her life began. Rudek begins to seek her out despite his father's warning that they cannot cross social lines. The developing attraction complicates their lives further.

Rudek's attention stirs Biezl's jealousy

Rudek's attentions to Yula provoke Biezl, the tavern's strongman, and he begins plotting to undermine him. The rival and the lovers' dynamics intensify as the tavern's power struggles unfold. The romance now risks becoming a public scandal.

Midnight plot: sleeping potion and a statue

During a late-night ploy, Biezl drugs Rudek and places him on a public statue to ruin his reputation. Yula discovers the ruse and its life-threatening implications. The episode demonstrates Biezl's willingness to destroy anyone who threatens his control.

Yula shelters Rudek in her room

Yula retrieves Rudek and lets him sleep off the drug in her room, hiding him from suspicion. She tends to him and protects their secret bond. Their closeness deepens as they navigate the danger around them.

Morning departure plan and promise

The next morning Rudek plans to leave but promises to return in the afternoon to take Yula away permanently from the tavern. He expresses his commitment to a life together despite the risks. Yula faces the emotional weight of their potential escape.

Biezl confronts and warns

Biezl goes to Yula's room and warns that he will kill Rudek. Yula slaps him and he knocks her unconscious. The threat triggers a dangerous confrontation that could ruin everything for the lovers.

Rudek defeats Biezl, a fatal confrontation

Rudek returns to confront Biezl and a struggle ensues. Yula revives, but Biezl pins her down, enabling Rudek to kill him with a knife. The murder marks a turning point in their fortunes and future prospects.

Trial and self-defense testimony

Rudek is tried for murder, but Yula takes the stand and swears that he killed Biezl in self-defense. Her testimony frames the act as protective rather than criminal. The court accepts the defense and clears Rudek.

Innocence and heartbreak

Rudek is found innocent, yet Yula makes the painful choice to step back so he can marry his fiancée Theresa Masar. Theresa recognizes their true love and, in a poignant gesture, gives him up. The lovers are temporarily separated by circumstance, not lack of feeling.