Benjamin Ortalora is a young man who leaves Buenos Aires after murdering a rival. He goes to Montevideo where his cool boldness draws the attention of gang leader Azevedo Bandeira. When the old bandit becomes ill, Ortalora makes a determined play to take his place.

改编自博尔赫斯的同名短篇小说，是一部南美风格的西部片，背景在19世纪巴拉圭内战时期。