California, beginning of the 19th century. Diego, the son of the governor, has been sent abroad to study in Spain but is in fact leading an uninhibited and wild lifestyle. There in Spain, he is re-acquainted with his childhood friend Luisa, who has come to tell him of his older brother Ramon’s tyranny following their father Alejandro’s death. Appealing to Diego’s singular sense of humanity, Luisa convinces him to return to California. Followed by Inez and her friends, they all return to Diego’s hometown.