The film features Fernandez himself as a character named Rogellio Torres. The lion's share of the footage, however, is devoted to the romance between Esperanza, granddaughter of a common laborer, and Jose Luis Castro, the firebrand son of a landowner. Joining a revolutionary movements, Castro is disowned by his father, but Esperanza remains loyally by his side. Later on, Castro's father is killed by outlaws; in seeking vengeance, he sacrifices his own life, while Esperanza carries on his revolutionary work with their young son in tow.

Dolores del Río
as Esperanza

Pedro Armendáriz
as José Luis Castro

Emilio Fernández
as Rogelio Torres

Miguel Ángel Ferriz Sr.
as Don Francisco

Armando Soto La Marina 'El Chicote'
as Reynaldo

Agustín Isunza
as Nicanor

Eduardo Arozamena
as Melchor

Mimí Derba
as Doña Clara

Margarita Cortés
as Hermana de José Luis

Manuel Dondé
as Úrsulo Torres