Viva Zapata! (1952)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Elia Kazan

Writer:

John Steinbeck (writer)

Release Date:

22 August 1952 (West Germany)

Genre:

History | Western

Tagline:

A BANDIT WHO BECAME A LEGEND!...Roaring Story of Mexico's Tiger on a White Horse!

Plot:

The story of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who led a rebellion against the corrupt, oppressive dictatorship of president Porfirio Diaz in the early 20th century.

Plot Keywords:

Mexico | Latin America | Anarchy | Mexican Revolution | Revolution

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 2 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Marlon Brando	...	Emiliano Zapata
Jean Peters	...	Josefa Zapata
Anthony Quinn	...	Eufemio Zapata
Joseph Wiseman	...	Fernando Aguirre
Arnold Moss	...	Don Nacio
Alan Reed	...	Pancho Villa
Margo	...	Soldadera
Harold Gordon	...	Francisco Indalecio Madero
Lou Gilbert	...	Pablo
Frank Silvera	...	Victoriano Huerta
Florenz Ames	...	Señor Espejo
Richard Garrick	...	Old General
Fay Roope	...	President Porfirio Diaz
Mildred Dunnock	...	Señora Espejo

Runtime:

113 min | Argentina:115 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Netherlands:12 | Germany:12 (DVD rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:PG | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:PG | West Germany:16 (f)

Filming Locations:

Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, Durango, Colorado, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Film debut of Frank DeKova.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When Zapata rides away across the plaza after a confrontation, his pistol falls out of his holster without his noticing.

Quotes:

Emiliano Zapata: Madero!
Pablo: Yes, you remember I read to you about him.
Emiliano Zapata: You promised to teach me to read.
Pablo: I will, I will.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Rise of Two Legends (2006) (V)

The poor striving for rights that still goes on

I'm no expert on the historical facts of the 1911 Revolution but can appreciate this movie's absorbing tale just as it stands. The photography is notably excellent and draws you into the story more and more. I think Brando as the illiterate peasant leader does a superb job of carrying the film along, creating the tender or serious moods that make for compelling drama throughout. I've always admired Jean Peters in any movie and her sensitive acting poignantly rounds out the love interest so well. Of course Quinn is his usual volcanic self, and in this instance garnered an Oscar as best supporting actor. It's a serious and sad tale about a real-life struggle of the people.