A futile struggle against the rich and powerful animates this tragedy about two star-crossed lovers. When a prefect investigates the slaying of a local family, he is moved to bring Yusuf, the sole survivor home with him. Adopted into another lifestyle, the impoverished orphan is raised by new parents and grows up with the prefect's daughter, who is about his same age. When the two young people reach adulthood, they fall in love and plan to marry, but then the son of a powerful and wealthy local VIP takes an interest in the young woman. Yusuf is given a job as a tax collector that takes him far away from home, leaving his love alone and undefended. The formula is set for tragedy as Yusuf tries to overcome the forces set against his coming marriage. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi