The action takes place during the January Uprising. A Russian commander imposed a tribute on a town inhabited by Jews; the money was appropriated by an adjutant, and eleven hostages faced court martial for allegedly failing to pay tribute and forging the commander's signature. A legend is woven into the plot: the sacred number 36 indicates thirty-six righteous. Nameless, unknown to anyone, they live as paupers or simpletons, carrying the burden of the world's sins on their shoulders. A good deed or a miracle that averts misfortune betrays them; however, the perpetrator of the miracle must die. The film has not survived to this day.
Director: Henryk Szaro
Jonas Turkow
drwal Benedykt
Mojzesz Lipman
reb Nuchen Parnes
Helena Gotlib
żona Parnesa
Irma Green
Estera, córka Parnesa
Klara Segałowicz
Sara Grzesznica
Aleksander Maniecki
komendant garnizonu
Michał Halicz
Mikołaj Martynow
Chaim Sandler
nosiwoda