Based on a novel by Ignacio Manuel Altamirano

In early 1860's Mexico, Nicolás (Contreras Torres) wants to marry Manuela (Chavarri) but she runs off with bandit El Zarco (Cantalauba) She soon becomes disillusioned by her lover's cruelty and the brutality of bandit life. In the meantime, Nicolas has turned his romantic attentions to Pilar, Manuela's adopted sister. At the climax. El Zarco is captured and shot, Nicolas marries Pilar, and Manuela dies.