"Under the Yoke" tells the tale of Marko, a family man whose peaceful life is shattered by the intrusion of danger. One evening, as he shares a meal with his lively family, an alarming noise disrupts their routine. This disturbance sets off a chain of events involving political intrigue, courage, and sacrifice in the face of oppressive rule.

A Fugitive Seeks Sanctuary

Marko is thrust into a turmoil when an exhausted fugitive, Ivan Kralich, stumbles into his stable. Ivan, who has recently escaped from a Turkish prison, is a symbol of resistance against the harsh rulers of Bulgaria. Despite eight years of incarceration, his spirit remains unbroken, and he seeks refuge as the Turks doggedly pursue him. Marko, recognizing Ivan’s plight and moved by his own patriotic sentiments, offers him a place to hide.

An Encounter with Danger

Just as Marko returns to his family, Turkish policemen arrive, drawn by the commotion. Sensing danger, Ivan flees, narrowly escaping capture by the Turks after a tense chase. The night is his ally, leading him to a secluded mill where he takes refuge. There, he witnesses a harrowing scene: the miller, accompanied by his innocent daughter Marika, is menaced by ruthless Turkish policemen. When the miller bravely faces their threats, Ivan intervenes, killing the Turks and earning the miller's gratitude.

The Patriot’s Struggle

With Ivan secured in a nearby monastery, the story shifts to Sokolov, a local doctor and a peculiar character under constant Turkish scrutiny. Despite lacking formal training, Sokolov is a compassionate man with a penchant for eccentric behavior, including the care of a pet bear. His act of kindness in assisting Ivan unwittingly entangles him in accusations of treason when Ivan leaves behind Sokolov’s coat, which the Turks find full of incriminating documents. However, Marko's ingenuity thwarts the Turks when he cleverly swaps the documents with a harmless newspaper, securing Sokolov’s release.

Underground Resistance

Ivan adopts a new identity and starts teaching, yet continues his revolutionary activities, bringing others like Mouratliski into the fold. Mouratliski, masquerading as a photographer, becomes a village fixture, while Ivan spreads the message of freedom, gaining many supporters. His personal life also blossoms with his affection for Rada, a gentle orphan and fellow educator.

A Performance with a Message

The village hosts a play in which Ivan participates. Seizing the moment, he leads the cast in singing revolutionary songs, cleverly disguised as part of the performance. The bey, a Turkish official, remains oblivious to the true nature of the songs due to language barriers, allowing the villagers to express their patriotic fervor without immediate repercussion.

On the Run Again

Suspicion soon falls upon Ivan, spurred by a spy's report of his subversive activities. As the Turks close in during a church service, Ivan skillfully evades capture, fleeing to the wilderness where he continues his fight, rallying support from loyal Bulgarians. The death of an elderly man by Turks at a village gathering reignites Ivan's determination, spurring him and a brave band of followers to ambush their oppressors, leaving the remains to the wolves.

Love and Misunderstanding

Meanwhile, Rada endures a difficult existence in Bela Cherkva, the subject of gossip due to her devotion to Ivan. Her troubles are compounded by a student, Kandov, who persistently follows her. Ivan, in a rare village visit, invites Rada to join him in Klissoura, where an uprising is brewing. Yet, misunderstandings arise, fueled by jealousy and false rumors, souring their reunion.

The Rising Falls

With Ivan's leadership, Klissoura boldly declares independence, setting the stage for a confrontation with Turkish forces. However, without support from Bela Cherkva, the revolt...