The travellers in the compartment of a train tell stories of the troubles of marriage. Sitting amongst them is Pozdnyšev, whose case caused a sensation among the public. Pozdnyšev begins to tell his tale. As a wealthy landowner, he led a profligate life. At one particular dinner party he meets Nataša, falls in love with her and marries her. Nataša gives birth to three children but is anxious to get back to society high-life. One day, she has the opportunity to meet with an old friend of her husband, the violinist Truchačevský. Nataša is fascinated by him. Pozdnyšev invites Truchačevský on a visit and he and Nataša begin to rehearse the Kreutzer Sonata. Pozdnyšev becomes jealous and he and Nataša argue so fiercely that she tries to commit suicide. After her recovery, the couple reconcile and Truchačevský and Nataša perform the concert as planned with great success. The next day, Truchačevský is due to leave. In a peaceful frame of mind, Pozdnyšev sets off on a journey, but soon receives word that Truchačevský's departure has been postponed and immediately rushes back home. He arrives to find Nataša and the violinist in an embrace. He seizes a dagger and, in a fit of jealousy, stabs his wife. The court discharges him declaring that the act was committed in a moment of mental abbera ...
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