Viva Zapata! (1952)

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

Director:

Elia Kazan

Writer:

John Steinbeck

Stars:

Marlon Brando, Jean Peters, Anthony Quinn

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited 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	...	Senor Espejo
Richard Garrick	...	Old General
Fay Roope	...	Diaz
Mildred Dunnock	...	Senora Espejo

Storyline

In 1909, Emiliano Zapata, a well-born but penniless Mexican Mestizo from the southern state of Morelos, comes to Mexico City to complain that their arable land has been enclosed, leaving them only in the barren hills. His expressed dissatisfaction with the response of the President Diaz puts him in danger, and when he rashly rescues a prisoner from the local militia he becomes an outlaw. Urged on by a strolling intellectual, Fernando, he supports the exiled Don Francisco Madero against Diaz, and becomes the leader of his forces in the South as Francisco 'Pancho' Villa is in the North. Diaz flees, and Madero takes his place; but he is a puppet president, in the hands of the leader of the army, Huerta, who has him assassinated when he tries to express solidarity for the men who fought for him. Zapata and Villa return to arms, and, successful in victory, seek to find a leader for the country. Unwillingly, Zapata takes the job, but, a while later, he responds to some petitioners from his ...

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Plot Keywords:

mexican revolution | zapata western | based on true story | homosexual subtext | exclamation point in title | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Frank DeKova.

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Goofs

When Zapata rides away across the plaza after a confrontation, his pistol falls out of his holster without his noticing.

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Quotes

Fernando: [to a vistor wanting to see Zapata] General Zapata is busy.
Fernando: [after a firing squad gunshot is heard] General Zapata will see you now.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: Mexico-1909

A delegation of Indians from the State of Morelos have come to the Capital for an audience with their President, Porfirio Diaz.

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Connections

Featured in Marlon Brando: Wild One (1994)

User Reviews

MY Favorite Movie

this was Marlon Brando and Anthony Quinn at their best ---the entire supporting cast was superb.

Steinbeck hadn't written anything as powerful as this since he did his tale of the Okies during the depression. Zapata is truly one of the great heroes of the 20th century, and Brando captured this along with the frustration of trying to do the right thing and yet being hamstrung by the bureaucrats who manage to survive every change in government, no matter which way in turns.The final scene in the movie leaves Zapata as a legend --- did he die, or does he still live to help the millions of peons in Mexico.

Elia Kazan's direction was terrific.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

13 February 1952 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beloved Tiger

Filming Locations:

San Ygnacio, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,800,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1