Celia Amonte is a beautiful Portuguese American woman who cannot move on from the loss of her husband, a young fisherman who died at sea. She and her daughter Vicky live with her mother in law in the seaside fishing community of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Celia works as a seamstress during the day, but at night she sings the beautiful Fado music that she learned from her childhood. Celia’s passion and sadness are expressed deeply in this soulful music. Celia and her daughter Vicky are close, but Vicky has a secret. She is making excursions to the local gambling casino. There she meets Charlie Beck, a charming Englishman and professional gambler. Vicky wants Charlie to help her learn to cheat at cards, but he declines.When Charlie and his friends visit the restaurant where Celia is performing, Charlie is thunderstruck by Celia’s sensual beauty and the passion of her music. He attempts to get to know her, but Celia is not open to Charlie’s charm. When Vicky discovers Charlie’s dilemma, she makes him an interesting proposition. If he will teach her how to count cards at blackjack, she will help him get a date with her mother. With Vickie’s help, Charlie slowly wins Celia’s heart and gradually reawakens her passion for life and love.