A typesetter is an amateur stage director, and his niece and an employee are stage actors. When they have an opportunity to go professional, differences arise between the two men. Things get worse when the employee starts seeing the girl even when there is no need for rehearsals - and the uncle opposes their relationship.

film directed by Perdigão Queiroga

Passado essencialmente no navio escola «Sagres» da marinha portuguesa, conta a história de um grupo de cadetes e seus esforços para salvar Rui, um de seus camaradas, do complexo de inferioridade que o impede de executar determinados exercícios. Como expediente, pedem a Joaninha, órfã dum sargento, para se fingir apaixonada por Rui, o que ela aceita de bom grado, pois gostava secretamente do rapaz, descendente duma linhagem de almirantes. Mas surge um equívoco.

Ana Maria loves a modest guitar player, Júlio; when she herself in a 'retiro' (typical fado tavern), public and critics rend major applause. Fame brings about new friends, namely bohemian young who play and sing the fado with her, and not so young men but who rich and powerful enough to patronize her, promote her, and wish to become intimate with her. Júlio the guitarist feel betrayed, and he sets his mind to depart to the African colonies, to leave her forever. Knowing that he's going to embark, Ana Maria's heart between her first love, and the appeal of the rich and famous.