Spain 1640, the reverend superior nun Mariana, attends the death of her younger sister, Isabel's husband, who is overcome with hopelessness and heartache. Isabel then kisses and caresses the cadaver's exposed body as if he were still alive. Mother Mariana

San Ginés de la Sierra is a small village lost in the mountains in southern Spain. It is known throughout the region for two peculiar characteristics: its "persistent" drought and a "Home of the Vanquished". This "home" is an institution that houses some twenty old people, to whose care are eleven nuns and crosses a distressing economic situation. The nuns are desperately seeking a solution and decide to hold a charity bulls run.

In 1913 a family of traveling musicians goes to the house of a rich marquise. Lolita, daughter of one of the musicians, encounters the son of the wealthy lady.

One unlucky day, a married couple with four children get an eviction notice: the building they live in is to be demolished. The family looks desperately for a new home, which is no easy task in Madrid in the fifties.

Dawn in Madrid. In the Plaza de la Cibeles begins the daily grind. The statue of the goddess, from its source in the center of the square tells the story of a man, petty speculator, owner of an old building that is going to ask Saint Nicholas for his cooperation to make it sink, and thus be able to lift a twelve-story modern building. But the inhabitants of the block have also implored the Saint to prevent this from happening.

Eudosio and Carlos were imprisoned by mistake. Now out of prison, are trying to get a job and to adapt to a society that rejects them.

Some urchins simulate an accident and steal a wallet. To their surprise, it turns out to be that of the famous footballer Alfredo Di Stefano, popularly known as "La Saeta Rubia". Driven by the admiration for their idol, the urchins decide to return it. At this time, Di Stefano and his wife establish a great friendship with the guys and project together the creation of the football team "Saeta".

Ivón, a chorus girl, and Hugo, a failed writer, arrive at a seaside hotel on a stormy night, along with Carlos, Hugo's 19-year-old son. When they decide to lean over the cliffs of the coast to observe the wild dance of the turbulent waves down below, an unexpected event tragically happens.