Capitão Gaudino's Cangaceiro gang spreads terror through the Northeastern Caatinga (dry shrubland). In one of his attacks, he kidnaps the teacher Olívia, however both he and his right-hand man, valiant Teodoro, are attracted to the beautiful captive and a conflict is established in the gang. Winner of the award for the Best Action Film and a Special Mention for Gabriel Migliori's soundtrack at Cannes 1953.
Lima Barreto
Lima Barreto (1906–1982) began his career in the decade of 1940, directing short films. He joined Vera Cruz Cinematographical Company, following an invitation from director Alberto Cavalcanti. There he made documentaries like Painel (1950) and directed O Cangaceiro, first Brazilian film to achieve international success. Unable to carry out the ambitious project O Sertanejo, he went back to documentaries with São Paulo em Festa (1954) and later released A Primeira Missa (1961), exhibited in Cannes.
