The film is about Macario Sakay, a controversial real-life figure in the fight against American colonial domination. For the American authorities, he was last remaining 'rebel' who refused to swear allegiance to the U.S. government. But to Filipino natives, Sakay was a hero. Played by Salvador Zaragosa, Sakay was a barber from Tonto who tried to revive the Katipunan, an outlawed organization agitating independence. Charged with sedition, he was later released from prison after being giving amnesty. Joining the guerrilla outside of Manila with the help of Montalan (Leopoldo Salcedo), he waged a clandestine war that turned him into a folk hero (but with a price on his head). The Americans organized the Philippines Constabulary to chase after him, Sakay sought refuge in a church but later met his end when a whole village was burnt. For a debut film, Avellana was entrusted by the producers to make a 'super production' He had a mock-up village constructed only to be burnt at film's end, something unheard of during the early years of Philippines cinema. He likewise made two set miniatures for close-ups, Finding his way into from a promising stage career, the young director remarked, It was hell of a way to launch a career.
