The film refers to the "gray neighborhoods", called in Argentina "villas miseria", in which the less qualified workers or those who have recently arrived from the rural areas live in the industrial cordons.
The film begins with some sequences related to the youth of Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, his arrival in Buenos Aires from his native Arrecifes, his law studies and a double frustration, as a writer and in his crush on a young woman who loved another man.
The story is based on Elenita, the younger of four sisters, young, timid and romantic. To try to change her character and give her an illusion, his father sends her weekly a bouquet of orchids making her believe they are from a secret admirer.
Three displaced children hitchhike to Buenos Aires, where they get involved in street-crime and heavier stuff. Positive-role-model adults offer a balance to those negative influences.
Well-to-do idler loses his fortune, ends up going to night-school and working as butler for a wealthy family. Still posing as a rich toff, he courts a young lady who turns out to be the daughter of his employer.
