Illusion Travels by Streetcar (1954)
"La ilusión viaja en tranvía" (original title)

Confronted with the unfortunate news that their favorite Streetcar, no. 133, is going to be decommissioned, two Municipal Transit workers get drunk and decide to "take 'er for one last spin... See full summary »

Director:

Luis Buñuel

Writers:

Mauricio de la Serna (story), José Revueltas (adaptation),

Stars:

Lilia Prado, Carlos Navarro, Fernando Soto

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Lilia Prado	...	Lupita
Carlos Navarro	...	Juan Godínez 'Caireles'
Fernando Soto	...	Tobías Hernández 'Tarrajas' (as Fernando Soto 'Mantequilla')
Agustín Isunza	...	Papá Pinillos
Miguel Manzano	...	Don Manuel
Guillermo Bravo Sosa	...	Don braulio
José Pidal	...	El Profesor
Felipe Montoya	...	Mecánico
Javier de la Parra	...	Benítez
Paz Villegas	...	Doña Mechita
Conchita Gentil Arcos	...	Pasajera con santo
Diana Ochoa	...	Maestra del internado
Víctor Alcocer	...	Acaparador de maíz

Storyline

Confronted with the unfortunate news that their favorite Streetcar, no. 133, is going to be decommissioned, two Municipal Transit workers get drunk and decide to "take 'er for one last spin," as it were. Unfortunately, the "one last spin" ends up being an all-night and all-day scramble to stay out of trouble, as they are confronted with situation after sometimes bizarre situation that prevents them from returning the "borrowed" Streetcar!

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Plot Keywords:

streetcar | drunkenness | train

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Genres:

Comedy | Adventure | Drama

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Details

Country:

Mexico

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Illusion Travels by Streetcar

Filming Locations:

Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Clasa Films Mundiales

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

User Reviews

Very amusing Mexican Bunuel!

Two streetcar conductors whose streetcar is set to be dismantled sneak into the station late one night to take it for one last spin. They spend all night and most of the next day having small adventured throughout Mexico City. Agustin Isunza is the film's standout as an old man, Papa Pinillos, who worked for the streetcar company most of his life. He was laid off a while back, but he does little with his time besides get on random streetcars to see if their drivers are competent. When he jumps on the 133, he quickly realizes that it's stolen and he spends the rest of the film desperately trying to get the company to believe him. It's a fun movie and very charming. Not a necessary Bunuel film, but fans should certainly catch it. 8/10.