Figaro, a singing barber, gets caught by some bandits who use his abilities to attract travelers and assault them. To escape justice he joins the army. Meanwhile, the bandits are all captured where the authorities give them a stark choice - death by garrote or join the army. Both the bandits and Figaro end up serving in the same military company. They are shipped to Puerto Rico and fight pirates, returning to Spain with acclaim. Now he will know the rich salons and the bright side of life.