It is 1925. Nacib (Mastroianni) is the owner of bar in a small town. He meets Gabriela (Braga) and he hires her on as a cook.
They soon enter a passionate relationship, fueled by his strong attraction to her sensual nature. However, Nacib soon grows annoyed by the attention she receives. Under advisement of his best friend, Tonico (Cantafora), Nacib proposes to her, partly in the hopes that the attention quells.
After their marriage, he insists that she dress and behave more modestly so they can be seen as more respectable. Unfortunately, Gabriela cannot help but stray and Nacib is forced to annul the marriage when he finds her in bed with Tonico.
Later, as both Nacib and the town begin to undergo a transformation, Nacib and Gabriela resume their relationship.