The fictional drama María—based on the novel of the same name by Jorge Isaacs—captivated the audience and the young couple alike. Although the film had premiered years earlier, this was its first showing in the Town of Love; cinema was a novelty in that remote village on the banks of the Magdalena River. Heriberto and Flor wiped away tears at the tragic ending: María dies, leaving Efraín alone and heartbroken.