After a chance encounter on the elevator, the lives of Mary Ann, a widowed English teacher, and Pedro, a recently divorced man, intersect against the hot backdrop of Rio de Janeiro.

The life of Carlota Joaquina, the Spanish infanta who met the prince of Portugal when she was only 10 years old and was immensely disappointed with her future husband.

Solitary young man, dominated by his mother, lives in a daydream. He buys a toy gun and impersonates a crime book personage.

Tadeu, a poor lad from the Northeast of Brazil, comes to Rio de Janeiro to try his luck. His good looks and education win him the favor of rich people. In his spare time, he becomes the favorite among lonely and rich ladies. Soon he gets involved in trouble.

Newly wed arrives at her husband's family house, in the country. The heavy atmosphere of the house frightens her, and she takes refuge in her homosexual son-in-law's room, who is kept locked and hidden from society. A tragedy occurs, causing her departure. She's only to return seventeen years later, and sick.