France, in the year 1838, was undergoing a period of political and economic chaos. Poverty and misery were common everywhere. The only hope of the poor rested with individual benefactors like Prince Rudolf, the Grand Duke of Gerolstein. Disguised merely as M. Gerolstein, he goes about giving aid only to those poor who despite adversity, have remained virtuous. Those who have turned criminal , he brings to justice for the punishment they deserve.