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。 The story of Benjamin Ortalora and the Uruguayan civil war at the end of the nineteenth century. Ortalora flees his home after killing an enemy. Arriving in Montevideo, he becomes a member of a smuggling ring. His adventures take him throughout Uruguay as he rises among the gaucho ranks. However, the turn of the century has its surprises in store. Juan Jose Cameo is Benjamin Otalora, 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 [Francisco Rabal]. When the old bandit becomes ill, Otolora makes a play determined play to take his place. The younger man's bold ambition is viewed cautiously by all of the henchmen of the old man and by his lover. Who will, in the end win? This South American western, set in 19th-century Buenos Aires, follows the trails of a young man who must leave his home after he fatally stabs an enemy. He ends up in Montevideo where he is assisted by a prominent arms and cattle smuggler. After proving his loyalty to the smuggler, the young man is soon promoted. Before long, the young man is working independently. He becomes so cocky that he even seduces his boss's moll. Notes: Written by Fernando Ayala and Hector Olivera from a story by Jorge Luis Borges. Cinematography by Juan Carlos Desanzo.