 Casino owner Jules Charrier is murdered in Rio, 1930. Since the police is too busy with the Carnaval and only regular customers are present, head of security Paulo Fernandez takes it upon himself to investigate. Amongst the suspects are Ruby Mayer, wife of a Wall Street broker and her gigolo Carlos. The local Conde, who spends his time getting call girls for other men. Down on his luck gambler Jaime who has had to hock his expensive watch, and the victim s estranged daughter, Lili.