Murcia countryside, Spain, at the end of the 19th century. Pencho, a peasant, and Xavier, son of a powerful landowner, get into a bloody fight after arguing over the distribution of irrigation water. When Xavier is injured, Pencho is forced to flee from justice.

A burglar breaks into an apartment but cannot get out.

With the carnival in full swing, the circus ringmaster is waiting for the new lion tamer, Margante. A young girl introduces herself under this name and is hired on a trial basis. The real Margante introduces herself in turn, but soon runs away, terrified by the story the young impostor tells her of an imaginary accident that occurred in the lion's cage.