The black orphan Balduíno (Charles Baiano) is adopted by the Commendatory abbot Ferreira (Raymond Pellegrin), and falls in love with Ferreira's heiress, the white Lindinalva (Françoise Goussard). A day, he is kicked out of the Ferreira's house, becoming a famous ''malandro'' in Bahia streets. Even away from Lindinalva, their love is blessed by the ''pai-de-santo'' Jubiabá (Grande Otelo).