La perla (1947)

Quino is a Mexican diver that discovers a pearl at the bottom of the sea. He and his wife Juana, and their son have just taken possession of a pearl that is worth thousands. Everyday people... See full summary »

Director:

Emilio Fernández

Writers:

John Steinbeck (novel), John Steinbeck (screenplay),

Stars:

Pedro Armendáriz, María Elena Marqués, Fernando Wagner

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Pedro Armendáriz	...	Quino
María Elena Marqués	...	Juana
Fernando Wagner	...	Dealer 1
Gilberto González	...	Aid 1
Charles Rooner	...	Doctor
Juan García	...	Aid 2
Alfonso Bedoya	...	Godfather
Raúl Lechuga	...	Dealer 2
Max Langler	...	Peasant
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Luz Alba
Richard Anderson
Guillermo Calles
Maria Elena Cuadros	...	Juanita
Columba Domínguez
Andrés Huesca

Storyline

Quino is a Mexican diver that discovers a pearl at the bottom of the sea. He and his wife Juana, and their son have just taken possession of a pearl that is worth thousands. Everyday people try to get in on the cash, even Pearl Dealers try to rip them off. When Quino is attacked one day, he kills his attackers in self defence. His brother suggests their only hope is to leave the village. But on their journey to give their son an education they never had, someone may just do anything to prevent it.

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Plot Keywords:

based on novel

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

Mexico USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

12 September 1947 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

The Pearl

Filming Locations:

Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film Asociados Mexico-Americanos, RKO Radio Pictures, Águila Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA High Fidelity)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Emilio Fernández, who was in love with Olivia de Havilland, thought she was the ideal actress to play the female starring role. De Havilland never knew of his secret love, but the director was able to get the government of Mexico City to change the name of the street he grew up on to "Dulce Olivia" (Sweet Olivia).

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Quotes

Narrator: This is a story that old men tell to children. They aren't sure where it happened or when.

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Connections

Featured in The Story of Film: An Odyssey: Episode #1.6 (2011)

User Reviews

A Masterpiece of world film-making

Making an adaptation off John Steinbeck's short novel wasn't easy and always a feat.But Emilio Fernandez and Gabriel Figueroa did it in a succesful way.

Pedro Armendariz repeats on a high class of acting role as in 'Maria Candelaria'. Once again the cinematography of Gabriel Figueroa ranks among the best he's done. (the cinematography of this movie earned him, a prize at the Cannes Film Festival).

The aid of Mr. Steinbeck himself, helped Emilio to adapt the screenplay just as good as the novel itself.

This movie has no flaws and it ranks among the best in Mexico Film History, a must see.