Arlindo Costa

The story of how D. Pedro I proclaimed the Brazilian independence on September 7th, 1822, and rose from prince of Portugal to first emperor of Brazil.

Marcelino, a country bumpkin, comes from the countryside to try his luck in Rio de Janeiro. His uncle Simão, a taxi driver and resident of a favela with Sofia, comes to greet him at the train station. A neighbor, Tereza, takes an interest in the newcomer. At the pier, the criminal Zé receives a package and is pursued by police. Mira Diler performs at the Caverna nightclub. In her dressing room, the criminal Zé is found, injured and without the package. Valentino complains about the police action that is disrupting his "business." Marcelino still hasn't found work; at the same time, he tries unsuccessfully to sell his compositions. He begins helping his uncle as a driver, but puts his own worries first: he goes to the nightclub looking for Mira, but finds himself caught up in Valentino's schemes.

While trying to break an "animal game" gambling scheme, Det. Bartolomeu hits his head, and the gamblers convince him that he is one of them. But everytime he hears a whistle, he changes between gambler and policeman.