The film, which is an ode to Rafael Hernández's song "Lamento borincano", is a social commentary of the political and social policies of the 40's and 50's which led to the abandonment of what was seen by many as the "pure", "virtuous" life of the finca (farm) for the "corrupting" influence of urban centers like San Juan and New York City.

The lives of various Latin residents of New York City are depicted. A Puerto Rican family, two Mexicans, and their friends seek fortune without forgetting their roots and traditions.

In a New York hospital, a man is cured of heroin addiction after a grueling three-month treatment. Although no longer an addict, he has complete amnesia: the only clues to his past are an expensive ring he was wearing when admitted, and a book of matches from a Puerto Rican nightclub. He pawns the ring and buys clandestine passage on a boat to Puerto Rico in search of his identity.

Rosina is frustrated by her engagement to millionaire John Johnson III, a fussy, domineering, control freak. The night before her wedding, she goes out dancing with her maid María, María's husband Tomás, and their friend Gordillo. When Rosina learns Gordillo is a sailor on the yacht owned by Mexican film star José María Beltrán, she decides to stow away and sail to Mexico to be with her grandmother.

Relates the life of one of Puerto Rico's most loved and revered composer and songwriter, Rafael Hernández.

The spectacular beauty of María awakens the most hot and crazy passions among all the men of the island, including Jorge and Roberto. The two fishermen will vie for her love, by any means necessary.

The story of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the US Army composed almost entirely of Puerto Ricans and who participated in the Korean War, suffering heavy casualties.

The branch of a bank in a small town is in bankruptcy. To regain the trust of the people, they offer the town's priest the position of Bank Manager, who in turn, begins to carry out all kinds of loans and social aid to the people.

Santo is called in to stop robot terrorists from sabotaging oil supplies in Puerto Rico.

A Puerto Rican goes to New York to seek his fortune.

A Carioca woman is confused with a businesswoman on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean.