Lapa, the bohemian district of Rio, 1932.
On the stage of cabaret Lux, Vitória dos Anjos (Renata Sorrah) sings one of Josephine Baker's greatest hits, "Nuit d'Alger". Backstage, fascinated, her dresser João Francisco (Lázaro Ramos) lip-syncs each word of the song. He worships Vitória: covets her extravagant clothes and her golden costume jewelry, and admires her European poise. Also, to star in a show is João Francisco's big dream. However, his wishes do not make an impression on the decadent diva. To make things worse, he is exploited and humiliated by Gregório (Floriano Peixoto), his boss and Vitória's lover.
However, João Francisco's submissive attitude becomes proud and provocative when he leaves the cabaret and strolls through the poorly lighted streets of Rio de Janeiro's underworld peopled with shady characters.
From a run-down boarding house in the heart of Lapa he shares his world with Laurita (Marcélia Cartaxo), prostitute and "wife"; Firmina (Giovanna Barbosa), Laurita's daughter; and Taboo (Flávio Bauraqui), accomplice in petty crimes and "slave". The patriarch of this selected "family", João Francisco is well acquainted with the local underworld: he is on good terms with Amador (Emiliano Queiroz), owner of the Blue Danube bar, where prostitution, drugs and police corruption run wild. His strong temper and his skills in capoeira-style fighting make him a feared and fascinating character. He is an excellent fighter, and always responds to provocation, whether from bar customers or the police. One night, João Francisco meets Renatinho (Felippe Marques), with whom he falls in love.
Accused by Gregório for a theft he did not commit, João Francisco defies the police, and is convicted to six months in prison for flouting authority. Once he is set free, he convinces Amador to put on a show at the Blue Danube. Costumed and brilliantly made-up by Laurita and Taboo, João Francisco, goes on stage at last, and is received with acclaim by the audience. After so many years, it seems as if luck has finally smiled on him. However, after a second even more flamboyant show, an unwarranted reaction to a provocation from a customer destroys his dream of being an artist.
Lapa, Carnival of 1942.
After a 10-year term in prison, João Francisco returns to his district. After inventing and impersonating a number of characters – The Negress of the Bulacoché; Jamacy, the Queen of the Forest; Saint Rita of the Coconut Tree; the Shark; and the Wild Pussycat – he wins a carnival costume contest. Successful and reborn to life, he invents a new character: Madame Satã. -- © Wellspring Media
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