The story revolves around the misdeeds of a mother that lead to a young woman named "Maria" (Dolores del Rio) facing rejection from her neighbors, who are overly pious and judgmental. Her situation is made worse by a romantic connection with "Lorenzo Rafael" (Pedro Armendáriz), which sparks jealousy, particularly from "Lupe" (Margarita Cortés), who is loud and unpleasant. Because of this isolation, Maria finds herself indebted to the wealthy landowner "Don Damian" (Miguel Inclán) for a substantial 15 pesos – an amount that represents a significant portion of their resources, as nearly half has already been spent on soap! She’s trapped; unable to sell her produce because the villagers won't allow it, she and Lorenzo try to find another way to earn money. A trip to a distant market offers some hope, but when Maria attracts the attention of a wealthy painter (Alberto Galán), they flee—only to discover that their circumstances haven’t improved. Their simple home near the water also suffers from mosquitoes, and when Maria becomes ill, Lorenzo must make difficult choices that inadvertently benefit their adversaries, placing them both in danger. They find themselves with limited support, relying on the local priest (Rafael Icardo) and the painter. It's worth noting that Dolores del Rio was forty years old during filming, so accepting her as a youthful character requires some suspension of disbelief; however, she portrays Maria as a young woman deeply in love who simply desires happiness. The film’s visuals and the tranquil setting of their adobe home provide a stark contrast to the hostility they encounter from a community that is outwardly religious but inwardly spiteful and harsh. The musical score also enhances the experience as the story moves toward its conclusion, reminiscent of biblical tales. Director Emilio Fernández has created a thoughtful narrative that critiques small-town attitudes, hypocrisy, envy, and despair, yet it avoids being overly bleak; there’s a sense of integrity present in some of the characters. While the film does feel somewhat slow to start, it becomes engaging once the plot gains momentum, making it worthwhile to view.

Source on TMDB