California, 1848. An invading army has defeated the few opposing forces and the territory has become part of the United States. Don César de Echagüe, an old gentleman, begs his son César to return from Europe, confident that he will know how to confront the oppressor.
California, 1840s. Wealthy landowner César de Echagüe, secretly acting as El Coyote, the legendary masked hero, continues his fight against the injustices and abuses suffered by the Hispanic population at the hands of the US Army.
Emigre returns to Spain to visit family; reunites with long-lost illegitimate son and rescues his brother-in-law from a gold-digging gigolette.
