The Criminal Who Stole a Crime

Captain Siwy of the militia (Zygmunt Hűbner), suffering from a heart condition and on the verge of retirement, is drawn into one final case following the tragic death of a young woman, Ewa Salm, known as the Princess (Barbara Brylska). She had been a witness in a trial that likely resulted in the conviction of an innocent person. As Siwy investigates the various interrogations, he uncovers the dark underbelly of life during the era of the “small stabilization” — prostitution, usury, betrayals, and blackmail. Initially, the blame falls on the student Kerner (Krzysztof Żurek), but driven by memories of the Princess, the captain uncovers the true culprit. The film is based on the novel by Krzysztof Kąkolewski, which won an award in a competition held by the Main Command of the Citizens' Militia.