The King of Warsaw

A Jewish boy, Mosze Bernsztajn, meets his idol, Jakub Szapira — a gangster and boxer, a member of Kum Kaplica’s gang, known as the king of Warsaw. The May Day march ends in a clash between nationalists led by Bronisław Żwirski and socialists led by Kum. Szapiro meets Anna. Mosze’s father, who is in debt to Kaplica, is unable to repay what he owes. Kum sentences Naum Bersztajn to death.

Jakub prepares for the most important boxing match of his life. His opponent is Andrzej Ziembiński. Szapiro wins. Kaplica’s gang celebrates the victory at Ryfka Kij’s brothel, owned by Jakub’s former lover. Mosze lives with Szapiro’s family, including his partner Emilia and their sons, Daniel and Dawid. Janusz Radziwiłek, a member of Kaplica’s gang, uncovers a conspiracy at the highest levels of government.

Moryc Szapiro, Jakub’s brother, is beaten up at the University of Warsaw. Jakub wants to take revenge on the attackers, but Moryc forbids him from doing so because he wants to earn his degree and leave for Palestine. The police find Mosze’s father’s body. The press blames Kaplica’s gang for the murder. Radziwiłek tracks down the author of an antisemitic letter published in one of the newspapers. Adam Koc begins cooperating with Żwirski.