In the midst of the American Civil War, a clever Mexican cattleman, Alvarez Kelly, is captured by Confederate forces. With a sharp sense of humor and a unique talent for getting out of difficult situations, Kelly is forced to help the Confederates gather cattle to feed their troops. However, he has his own plans and is unwilling to become a passive pioneer in this struggle.
With the war in full swing, tensions rise and loyalties are tested. As the story unfolds, Kelly finds himself caught between the ambition of a Confederate general, who is determined to crush his enemies, and the resolve of a group of troops allied with the Union army. Meanwhile, Kelly maintains his own aspirations, using his wits to try to extricate himself from the mess he is in.
Kelly's dilemma becomes more complicated when he crosses paths with a group of spies and other colorful characters of the era, including two men seeking personal revenge. In this tense and thrilling setting, the protagonist must navigate through political intrigues, battles, and illicit romances, all while trying to stay one step ahead of both sides of the conflict. With a style full of humor and action, this story highlights the struggle for freedom and survival in a divided world.