Rebellion in Patagonia

The movie opens with Lieutenant Colonel Zavala waking up from a nightmare full of gunshots, setting a tense and ominous tone. This event hints at the violence to come and establishes Zavala's haunted state of mind. The initial scene introduces the military figure at the center of the unfolding conflict.

Workers influenced by anarcho-syndicalist ideas gather to demand better pay and working conditions at hotels. During a meeting, a boss pays back workers' salaries along with an additional fee, illustrating the economic disparity and the magnitude of the workers' grievances. These protests mark the beginning of organized labor action.

Employers initially agree to the workers' demands, gaining support from other sectors, but regional authorities under pressure from local business interests intervene to suppress union activities. The decision to oppose the demands triggers tension and escalating conflict.

In response to police harassment and suppression, the workers declare a general strike that paralyzes ports and wool production for export, showing their collective power. The national government supports their rights, and workers demand union recognition and improved conditions for agricultural laborers.

Employers bring in replacement workers, but armed strikers attack convoys and destroy production facilities through arson and sabotage. This leads to violent confrontations between police and workers, escalating the conflict further.

A mediation led by Lieutenant Colonel Zavala, commissioned by President Yrigoyen, condemns police bias and the exploitative company store system. After six weeks, a collective agreement is reached, granting rights to rural workers and returning seized weapons, marking a historic victory.

Employers, outraged by the agreement, fire workers selectively and block access to company stores. The government responds by dismissing the sympathetic governor, and landowners refuse to implement the agreed pay rises, igniting further unrest.

Workers plan to strike again to enforce the agreement's terms. Employers, supported by Chile and Britain, compel the government to detain union leaders, leading to a renewed general strike. Armed bandits also emerge, exploiting the chaos for raids.

Zavala is warned of the ongoing unrest and is ordered to restore order decisively, especially against socialist and anarchist threats. He is instructed to eliminate rebellion through force, leading to surprise attacks on strikers and escalating violence.

Zavala begins summarily executing strike leaders and even those under truce, often forcing victims to dig their own graves. The Red Council is eventually captured, and anarcho-syndicalists surrender after their leaders are executed, highlighting the brutal suppression tactics.

Following the violent crackdown, the previous labor agreement is annulled, wages are reduced, and worker rights are rescinded. The ruling elite celebrate the suppression victory, symbolized by a festive scene where they sing 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow,' underscoring the oppressive political climate.