Paulino and Carmela are husband-and-wife troubadours touring the countryside during the Spanish Civil War. They are Republicans, and with their mute assistant Gustavete they journey into rebel territory by mistake. They are arrested, fear a firing squad, and receive a reprieve from an Italian Fascist commander who loves the theatre. He arranges a performance for his troops, bargaining with Paulino to stage a burlesque of the republic in exchange for the actors' freedom. Will the fiery and patriotic Carmela consent?