Set in a small politically unstable Latin American country, the story follows the half-English, half-Latin doctor, Eduardo Plarr (Richard Gere), who left his home to find a better life. Along the way he meets an array of people, including British Consul (representative) Charley Fortnum (Michael Caine), a representative in Latin America who is trying to keep a Political revolution from occurring, and is also a remorseful alcoholic. Another person the doctor meets is Clara (Elpidia Carrillo), whom he immediately desires, but there is a problem: Clara is Charley's wife.