João, a blacksmith in Portugal, lives with his wife, two children and father. After work, he goes to the cabaret, where he meets up with Ana, his mistress. Ana is seduced by a fado singer, provoking João's jealousy.

The distinctive loves of Margarida and Clara, the distinct morals of Pedro and Daniel, the goodness of João Semana.

In a small fishermen's village love affairs are in turmoil, amidst political meetings and revolutionary activities. Nature adds drama to the human passions with its wind- and sea-storms.