Maclovia presents a paradox of human nature. The authority that is supposed to impose the law brings chaos and injustice, and an action that represents compassionate and selfless sacrifice is punishable by death. Emilio Fernandez, one of the best directors not only of Mexican cinema but of the whole world, presents a web of human evil with a background of enormous beauty,the Lake of Patzcuaro and the Island of Janitzio. Ironicaly, Maclovia's beauty (Maria Felix) is also a curse since it inflames the crudest passions of Sgt. Genovevo de la Garza, magnificently represented by Carlos Lope Moctezuma. Jose Maria (Pedro Armendariz) represents an opposing force, and he attempts to educate himself in an effort to deserve the beauty and purity of Maclovia,but the presence of evil remains incomprehensible.