The novel tells the story of Rafael Brull, the only son of the family with more power in the small Valencian town of Alcira. After the death of his father, an unscrupulous politician corrupted by power, Rafael decides to take over the family business - the planting and distribution of oranges - as well as continue the political career undertaken by his father. Unlike his father, Rafael is a cultured and honored man, which does not prevent him from becoming a successful businessman and politician. Despite success, the only thing that makes Rafael happy is to be with Leonora, an enigmatic opera singer who, after several years in Italy, returns to Alcira to heal from the wounds of the past. However, the conservative circle surrounding Rafael is opposed to this relationship because they despise artists. The wealthy matriarch Dona Bernarda Brull (Mattox) is irritated by her son Rafael's infatuation with the orange farmer's (Edward Connelly) daughter, Leonora (Garbo). She forbids him to see her, something that causes Leonora great heartache, to say nothing of her family's financial condition. Using the singing talent cultivated by her wannabe father Pedro, Leonara leaves her humble home to later become a sensation on the stages of Paris, as La Brunna, where nobleman and other rich gentleman express their approval of her "talents." Meanwhile, back in their small Spanish town of Alcira, Valencia where Leonora's father has died, Dona Bernarda Brull's domineering influence has brought Rafael to the brink of being elected to office. She's also arranged for her son to marry the wealthy Remedios Matias (Gertrude Olmstead), the daughter of a rich hog farmer (Mack Swain). However, just before both of these events are realized, La Brunna returns to her humble beginnings to visit her mother Pepa (Lucy Beaumont) and barber friend Cupido (Lucien Littlefield). Incognito, she gives Rafael the impression that she is still poor, and nearly destitute. When the proud soon-to-be-elected official visits Cupido, Leonara reveals that she is the famous La Brunna."