The film is set in the 17th century during the Swedish invasion of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the years 1655 to 1658, known as The Deluge, which was eventually thwarted by Polish-Lithuanian forces. However, a quarter of the Polish-Lithuanian population died from the war and plague, and the country's economy was devastated.[5]
In the first part, the brave cavalry officer Andrzej Kmicic arrives at the estate of the Billewicz family to fulfill his late patron's will and marry Aleksandra (Olenka) Billewicz. Although the two are drawn to each other, the local nobility, angered by Kmicic's reckless actions and his unruly men, convinces Olenka to reject him. A series of violent clashes ensue, culminating in Kmicic burning the estate of the Butrym family and abducting Olenka. This provokes the local nobles, led by Colonel Wolodyjowski, to besiege Kmicic's manor. After losing a duel to Wolodyjowski, Kmicic survives only because his opponent spares him and suggests he redeem himself by serving their homeland. Kmicic later joins forces with the Lithuanian Hetman Janusz Radziwiłł, only to discover Radziwiłł’s treasonous alliance with Sweden and plans to dismantle the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Disillusioned, Kmicic attempts to capture Janusz's brother, Prince Bogusław Radziwiłł, but fails, finding himself hunted by both sides as a traitor.
In the second part, Kmicic overhears plans to loot the Jasna Góra monastery, a revered Polish sanctuary. He warns the monastery’s prior and aids in defending it against a Swedish siege. Risking his life, he sabotages the Swedish artillery but is captured and tortured by a vengeful Polish collaborator. Rescued by allies, Kmicic seeks out King Jan II Casimir in Silesia, saving him from a Swedish ambush en route. The king, impressed by Kmicic’s bravery, grants him command of a Tatar cavalry unit. Meanwhile, Olenka is held captive by Prince Bogusław, who seeks to win her over, but she escapes after learning of his sinister plans. The Polish forces, led by Czarniecki, launch a decisive counterattack against the Swedes, with Kmicic playing a key role in their victory. He captures Bogusław in a duel, finally earning redemption.
Kmicic returns to the Billewicz estate, but Olenka, believing him a traitor, plans to join a convent. During a church service, a royal decree absolves Kmicic of all accusations, highlighting his heroism. Overwhelmed by the truth, Olenka changes her mind and agrees to marry Kmicic, bringing the story to a triumphant close.
Versions
The original film was digitally restored and shown on Polish TV in December 2013. For its 40th anniversary, a new cut, Potop Redivivus, two hours shorter than the original, was released in the fall of 2014.[6]
