The story is narrated by the family's oldest son, Paco. The film begins with the father of the family, José Sanchez, making a journey that lasts one year on foot from Mexico to Los Angeles. He travels to Los Angeles to meet a distant relative known as "El Californio," who was born in the city when it was still part of Mexico. They become fast friends and grow a corn farm together. However, after several years, "El Californio" nears death. Shortly before dying, "El Californio" says he wants the following written on his tombstone: