Mercedes Lezcano

When Bernarda's husband dies, she declares an oppressive state of mourning which will last for seven years. As her daughters grow bored of being trapped inside the house, their bitterness for their mother grows, and there are tragic consequences.

Leopoldo Contreras, an emeritus professor of Roman law, has serious economic problems. His translations of the classic authors do not give him enough money to live and he has had to sell even his flat. To remedy their situation is offered as a slave to an old student in exchange for house and food. (imdb)