In 1960s Spain, an unlikely romance brews between an undertaker, Jose (Nino Manfredi), and an executioner's daughter, Carmen (Emma Penella). Carmen's father, Amadeo (José Isbert), is near retirement from his morbid profession, but he's having a difficult time finding a replacement. When Carmen and Jose get married, Amadeo persuades a reluctant Jose to take over his old job. The newly instated executioner vows to never kill, but his pledge is put to the test with an already-scheduled execution.