Juan Alvarado, a Californian, found himself deeply in love with Isabella, daughter of Galvez, the Alcalde. When he made it known that he wished to pay court to the young lady, she announced that no ordinary man could win her hand. Alvarado was not the only one attracted by the fair Isabella. Chico, the cruel and irascible Governor, became infatuated with the Alcalde's daughter and openly insulted her by his advances. When she spurned him, Chico, seeking vengeance, removed her father from office, falsely stating that he was grossly incompetent. The people arose in indignation and demanded that Chico resign from the office of Governor. This he refused and when the people became threatening. he ordered Galvez, the Alcalde, thrust into prison and then asked that he pacify the Californians by appealing for the Governor, a proceeding which the Alcalde refused to consider. The people looked to the young Alvarado as their leader and it was to him that Isabella fame, asking that he liberate her father and deliver them from the tyranny of Chico. As the Governor refused all audiences, the open revolt began and the presidio was bombarded. The Californians had secured possession of several cannon and the Governor's soldiers were unable to withstand the fierce assault. The tyrant was forced to abdicate, the Alcalde was released and Isabella, finding that Alvarado was a hero in every sense of the word, gave him her promise.
—Moving Picture World synopsis