Mari Pepa, a beautiful laundress of Madrid, and Felipe, a carpenter, are in love but they are always quarreling over trifles. However, she must marry with the fence Don Leo to help his father, a drunk player who has committed a robbery and has determined the family jewels.

A uranium deposit brings turmoil to the small South American republic of Guatalpa. Between two revolutions, the government tries unsuccessfully to decide whether the Americans, Soviets or Cubans will exploit the concession. Delegates from these nations spy on and betray each other to achieve their goal.