Clivia

At the border of Boliguay, a Southern American republic: a Hollywood production starring Clivia Gray is put to a halt. The Boliguayan administration refuses the film crew’s admission into the country. To make matters worse, the leading man has quit. He has heard rumours that the film is a mere charade for political foul play in Boliguay, planned and orchestrated by industrialist and producer Ernest W. Potterton. The accused brushes off the insinuation and instead proposes a plan: Clivia is to marry a local so that a working permit for the production team can be obtained. The actress’s initial indignation somewhat softens after meeting the charming “gaucho” Juan Damigo. Little does she know that he is in fact the leader of the recent revolution and President, Juan Olivero. He, too, is nudged into the arranged marriage. His cousin Jola, chief of an army of Amazons, has heard of plots against the government and orders Juan to keep an eye on the film crew. Her informant is the American tabloid reporter Lelio Brown, who has taken a liking to her and will follow any lead. But first, it’s time for the wedding. After a picture-perfect ceremony, complete with a passionate kiss exchanged between bride and groom, the crew may finally pass the border into Boliguay.

A few days later. The marriage between Clivia and her “gaucho” has lost its initial sparkle but the film promises to be a success. Having discovered Juan’s talent for acting, director Waters has hired him as Clivia’s onscreen partner. Meanwhile, Potterton schemes a putsch that will remove Olivero and reinstall an old president, whose strong ties with America will allow him to access Boliguay’s oil reserves. He meets with his two local accomplices Diaz and Valdivio, not knowing that Lelio overhears their conversation. The overthrow fails and Juan introduces himself as president Olivero. Jola orders the arrest of Potterton and Clivia, whom Diaz and Valdivio have thrown suspicion on. In their prison cell, the producer and his star await their death sentence, which Juan signs under great distress. Finally, Lelio appears just in time to reveal that Diaz and Valdivio are double agents and have just freed Potterton and Clivia. Juan cannot give up on his love for Clivia just yet. He will not stand in the way of her escape. If she should decide to leave, her guilt will be proven, as will her indifference. Everybody meets on the airfield for a last dramatic scene. What and whom will Clivia choose: Hollywood, a man – or a new career in Boliguay?