Summaries

Synopsis

In Mexicana, Mexico, just over the American border, Dolores, a beautiful cafe singer called "The Dove," attracts the attention of the very rich Don Jose Maria Lopez y Tostado, who brags to her that he is "the best cabarello in all Mexico." Used to getting what he wants, Don Jose is at first surprised by Dolores' rejection of his advances and her talk of a jealous, gun-slinging sweetheart. Determined to conquer the virgin, Don Jose, who lives on an enormous southern hacienda, plans a party in her honor at the cafe. Although Dolores' sweetheart is an invention of convenience, Johnny Powell, a craps table dealer at a neighboring gambling house, quickly wins the singer's heart in earnest. To protect Dolores, Johnny proposes that they cross the border before the party and marry. Dolores agrees, but that night, Johnny is trapped in a murder frame-up devised by Don Jose. After Johnny is jailed, Dolores uses her savings to bribe the jailer and arrange for Johnny's escape. Shortly before the appointed hour, however, Don Jose offers the jailer an even bigger bribe to shoot Johnny as he makes his escape. When Dolores hears of Don Jose's plan, she offers herself to him in exchange for Johnny's life. Don Jose accepts the exchange, and after coldly rejecting the now free Johnny, Dolores leaves with Don Jose for his hacienda. On the way there, Dolores tries unsuccessfully to take a suicide pill, which further baffles the egotistical millionaire. Then Johnny shows up with a gun, and after a fight with Don Jose, is rearrested and sentenced to immediate execution by his powerful rival. As the police prepare to shoot Johnny, Dolores accuses Don Jose of ungentlemanly cowardice. Struck by Dolores' impassioned plea, Don Jose gives in with a laugh and grants Johnny and Dolores their freedom, having proved that he is, in fact, the "best caballero in all Mexico."