El bolero de Raquel

Cantinflas learns his compadre has died in an accident, leaving his widow Leonor unable to support her child. Leonor travels to Guadalajara to seek help from her parents, leaving Chavita with Cantinflas. He reluctantly steps into a guardian role, hoping to keep the boy safe while scrambling to make ends meet.

Cantinflas begins working in Chapultepec to earn money for himself and Chavita. Chavita plays nearby and a nanny quarrels over the ball, which Cantinflas promises to replace. He vows to improve their life, even as the first comedic misadventures start.

To improve his prospects, Cantinflas signs up at a local school. There, he becomes smitten with Raquel, a teacher who catches his eye. He continues to hunt for odd jobs, balancing ambition with his characteristic improvisation.

During his nightclub attempt as a shoeshiner, Cantinflas accidentally wanders into the dancers' dressing room. He disrupts Elaine Bruce's Boléro act by misnaming the piece, triggering chaos and getting him kicked out. The mishap marks a humiliating setback in his quest for steady work.

In Acapulco, Chavita tries to climb La Quebrada and Cantinflas scolds him but rushes to stop him from danger. He follows the boy toward the edge, trying to keep him safe despite his own fear. The moment sets up a dangerous but heroic sequence to come.

Cantinflas becomes stuck at the top as Chavita slips away toward safety on the other side. To save his godson, he performs a spectacular, high-risk dive into the sea below. The stunt showcases his improvisational bravery amid danger.

After the dive, Cantinflas is offered a job as a lifeguard, but his lack of discipline leads to a near-disaster while trying to rescue someone. He nearly drowns himself and is fired the same day. The setback underscores his unreliability but also his enduring desire to help.

With money earned from his adventures, Cantinflas can finally support Chavita and buys him a large, impressive ball. The moment signals a new sense of stability for their small family. The ball becomes a symbol of hope for Chavita and Cantinflas’ resolve.

Leonor reappears with her fiancé, presenting the prospect of a better life and another ball. She asks Cantinflas to return Chavita, while unconsciously humiliating him in front of others. Cantinflas refuses to witness their wedding, choosing to protect his bond with Chavita.

Leonor and her fiancé leave with Chavita, and Cantinflas is left to ponder his future while still holding onto the idea of a simple, meaningful life. The separation deepens his sense of loss but also solidifies his dedication to the boy.

A short time after the separation, Cantinflas encounters Raquel in a park and tells her about the void left by Chavita. Their conversation hints at new possibilities, bridged by shared affection.

Raquel openly declares her love for Cantinflas, and he responds with joy as he kicks a ball into the air. They share a kiss while a park policeman looks on with a approving smile, signaling a hopeful new chapter for both of them. Cantinflas even offers to shine the policeman's shoes, sealing the moment with a light-hearted touch.