A magician and his assistant arrive in a small town in the interior of Bahia, Brazil, to present a variety show. The duo’s debut is thwarted by the arrogance of the local police chief. The next day is the town’s market day. Moved by the poverty of the place, Paloma suggests to the magician a great magic that brings the abundance where misery exists, what is done. However, the magic is brief and soon the city returns to its usual poverty. There is a great revolt and the police chief arrests the magician. In jail he is placed in a common cell with four other prisoners; the presence of the magician breaks the routine of prison life and a series of amazing and wonderful things begin to happen.