Montserrat (I) (TV 1971)

The story is set during the South American Wars of Independence. Simón Bolivar, the liberator, has escaped from Spanish custody with the aid of an idealistic Spanish officer, Captain ... See full summary »

Director:

David Friedkin

Writer:

Emmanuel Roblès (play)

Stars:

Jack Albertson, Keir Dullea, Hurd Hatfield

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jack Albertson	...	Salas Ina
Keir Dullea	...	Montserrat
Hurd Hatfield
Earl Holliman	...	Luhan
Geraldine Page	...	Felisa
Alexander Scourby
Rip Torn	...	Izquierdo

Storyline

The story is set during the South American Wars of Independence. Simón Bolivar, the liberator, has escaped from Spanish custody with the aid of an idealistic Spanish officer, Captain Montserrat. The Spanish commander, Colonel Izquierdo ('left' in Spanish), threatens Montserrat with torture to find out where Bolivar can be recaptured. Izquierdo decides that this will probably not yield the information he wants and instead has six entirely innocent people brought into headquarters: The six are Salas Ina, a prosperous businessman; Arnaldo Lujan, a wood carver who makes the statues of the saints, Matilde, a mother who left two small children at home alone while she went to market; Juan Salcedo Alvarez, an actor from Cádiz; Felisa, a pretty girl whom Izquierdo finds attractive, but she only wants more to eat and the death of the Spaniards; and Ricardo, a boy who only wants to know that Bolivar is safe. Izquierdo tells these six people that they have precisely one hour to persuade ...

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Plot Keywords:

one word title | based on play | character name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 March 1971 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Television Theatre

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Montserrat (1962)

User Reviews

A dramatic moment in history

This is a somewhat theatrical but very moving story, based on a play by Lillian Hellman. The action takes place in Venezuela during the early 19th century wars of independence. Five innocent people are being held by the Spanish army which is in pursuit of Simón Bolivar and his revolutionary force. These five have been given just one hour to provide the Spanish with the information that army needs to capture Bolivar, or each of the six will be executed. The tension builds as we wait for their decision; to see whether they will be executed or reprieved. The way in which they deal with each other and come to grips with this situation is moving and realistic.