Cilas Gregório

The story is set in the fictional city of Albuquerque, in the interior of São Paulo, in the early 1960s – a time marked by changing behaviors in much of the world. There, young people enjoy the sounds of rock and twist on the dance floors, follow the fashion of jeans and leather jackets, and show off on Lambrettas and motorcycles through the city streets. In this context, Maria Tereza, a student teacher, dreams of living in the capital and being elected Miss Brazil, but clashes with her boyfriend, João. An idealistic young man who intends to pursue a career in journalism, he is consumed by jealousy of his beloved.

Otavio is an idealistic union leader trying to organize workers at a factory to resist the company's exploitative practices. His son, Tião, one of the employees, is more of a realist and doesn't want to risk losing his job by striking. This clash of perspectives puts the father and son at odds. Fortunately, Tião's mother, Romana, is on hand to act as a moderator between the two opinionated men.

After a heavy rain storm, several vehicles get stuck on a muddy road. Soon hunger and fatigue change people's manners, making them behave in a very noncivilized way.