In which the return of Prince Shtcherbatsky to Baden brings a clash of dispositions between him and his wife, while he delightfully observes the slow convalescence of his daughter Kitty among the invalids and acquaintances of the spa. The prince’s grounded, somewhat cynical perspective gently contrasts with Kitty’s hopeful reverence, particularly in their encounters with the frail but resolute Madame Stahl and the varied figures of the watering place society.

In which the dampness of a rainy day brings a small assembly under the arcades, where youthful Kitty becomes enamoured with the gentle and gracious Varenka, whose kindness and quiet strength reveal themselves in a spirited defence of a fellow countryman. The princess, at first reluctant, soon follows her daughter’s inclination and makes acquaintance with this intriguing lady, whose serene manner and unassuming truth win a place in their acquaintance despite the shadows hinted in her past.

In which a thoughtful exploration unfolds of young Varenka’s quietly dignified character, her past gently unveiled through the tale of Madame Stahl’s curious maternal devotion and unyielding faith, while her beautiful, unaffected singing captivates those around her. As Kitty observes with mingled admiration and wonder, the true source of Varenka’s serene strength remains a delicate mystery, suggesting depths of experience and feeling hidden beneath her calm exterior.

In which the Shtcherbatsky family settles into the intricate social world of a German spa town, where each newcomer finds their rigid place within the shimmering crystal of society, while young Kitty quietly observes and imagines the stories behind the faces she has yet to know. Amidst these encounters, Kitty’s attention is drawn to a mysterious, steadfast young woman devoted to the care of the invalid Madame Stahl, and to the arrival of a certain brooding man whose presence casts an uneasy shadow over the ordinary gaieties of the springs.

In which the spirited gathering at the race-course serves as a stage where Anna Karenina's keen observations reveal the complex and often painful interplay of social ambition, disguised emotions, and personal turmoil amongst the Russian elite. Amidst the excitement and peril of the steeplechase, her attention rests unwaveringly on Vronsky, while her husband's restless and often hollow conversation only deepens the silent rift between them.

In which Anna, poised and radiant despite the uneasy stirrings within her, entertains her husband Alexey Alexandrovitch and his companion with a grace mingled with a peculiar nervous brilliance. The delicate interactions between them, marked by subtle tensions and unspoken emotions, are observed through the eyes of her son Seryozha, whose timid glance reveals the silent undercurrents shaping their familial scene.

In which a public spectacle turns to tragedy and reveals the fraught emotional undercurrents swirling around Anna, as she struggles with despair and conflicting loyalties while surrounded by indifferent society. The tense interplay between Anna and her husband exposes fragile proprieties and deep passions, with an atmosphere thick with unspoken fears and irrevocable truths.

In which the tension and vivid excitement of a dangerous steeplechase unfold before an eager and expectant crowd, as one young officer and his spirited mare strive with steadfast determination to claim victory. Yet amid the thrilling leaps and close pursuit, unforeseen mishap reveals the fragile boundary between triumph and tragedy on the racecourse.

In which the restless Vronsky, caught between the turmoil of his thoughts and the urgency of the approaching race, navigates the lively world of the steeplechase with a mingling of agitation and composed resolve. Amidst the crowded racecourse, old acquaintances and the spirited readiness of his mare Frou-Frou draw him into the vivid immediacy of the competition, with rivalries and tensions quietly simmering beneath the surface.

In which Alexey Alexandrovitch busies himself with official duties and outward appearances, while inwardly harbouring a melancholy and troubled heart concerning his domestic life. Though surrounded by society and measured by routine, he quietly struggles with the weight of unspoken sorrows that set a sombre tone to his once harmonious existence.