Jüri Rumm is a hot-tempered young peasant who is not afraid of either German barons or the Russian czar, barfights or disobedience to his master's orders. Mari, a gentle peasant girl, loves Jüri despite the fact that he is very popular among young women. Evelin is a quick-tempered baron's daughter who is used to get everything she wants, including a peasant boyfriend who considers himself a free man. Yet, the free man becomes an outlaw. Where will the runaway's love lead him?

Tulipäine talupoiss Rummu Jüri ei karda saksa parunit ega Vene tsaari politseid, kõrtsikaklusi ega isanda käsu täitmatajätmist. Malbe taluneiu Mari armastab teda sellest hoolimata, et Jüril jagub tütarlapsi iga sõrme jaoks. Nende seas ka parunipreili Evelin, kelle loomus on aga sama metsik kui Jüril ja kes on harjunud saama kõike, mida tahab - ka matsisoost kallima, kes peab ennast vabaks meheks. Vabadusest saab aga lindpriius, ja kuhu viib tagaaetava armastus?