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 ...

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Western

---

Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Marilyn Monroe tried and failed to obtain a part in this picture, presumably due to Darryl F. Zanuck's lack of faith in her ability, both as an actress and as a box office draw.

---

Goofs

The page of the 'Mexican' newspaper which Señor Espejo is reading (headline: 'El General Pancho Villa') is formed by clippings from an Argentine newspaper (from around 1935).

---

Quotes

Josefa: I don't speak for myself now, but if anything happens to you, what would become of the people? What would they have left?
Emiliano Zapata: Themselves.
Josefa: And all the fighting and the deaths... what has really changed?
Emiliano Zapata: They have really changed. That's how things really change - slowly - through people. They don't really need me anymore.
Josefa: They have to be led.
Emiliano Zapata: Yes, but by each other. A strong man makes a weal people. Strong people don't need a strong man.

---

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.

---

Connections

Featured in Elia Kazan: A Director's Journey (1995)

User Reviews

Excellent recounting about the Mexican revolution with a terrific Brando

The picture chronicles the Zapata life from his humble upbringing , he played a leading role in the Mexican 1910-1920 revolution until his death . A peasant delegation from Morelos state go to visit Mexican President Porfirio Diaz when Zapata (Marlon Brando) reclaims their rights .Then Zapata along with his brother Eufemio (Anthony Quinn) back to Francisco Madero (Harold Gordon) , though resident in Texas , against Porfirio Diaz . Pancho Villa (Alan Reed) in the northern Mexico and Zapata in the southern fight against Porfirio's Army winning many victories in the field . For a long time Zapata , who seemed in line for leadership of Mexico , enjoyed the sympathetic interest of the United States . Finally, Madero rises to power but General Huertas (Frank Silvera)conspires against him . Huertas rules over , and murders President Francisco Madero . Then Zapata again takes arms against Huertas and he along with Pancho Villa getting the victory in Mexico city and an eventual Presidency but he finishes leaving as a disillusioned politician . But his main enemies , the President Carranza and Obregon will fight for the power against the Villa's revolutionaries .The movie portrays until his early death , but he was assassinated when gunmen ambushed him , like it is well developed in the spectacular final shots , and it is subsequently copied at ¨Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid¨ (by George Roy Hill with Newman and Redford).

The movie is an exciting retelling of Zapata's Mexican campaign , suffering and love , with broadened focus on the power abuse .The film gets influence from classic Westerns until famous Russian directors (Eisenstein , Pudovkin). Marlon Brando chewing up scenery in the title role in one of his best performances as the hot-tempered , simple-minded revolutionary.

Anthony Quinn won a deserved Oscar for his well portrayed secondary role as rough brother named Eufemio . Besides , powerful and insightful characterization by remainder supporting cast . Based on John Steinbeck's screenplay , plays with the facts , but overall , the movie is entertaining and interesting . Sensitive and evocative music by the two composer masters : Alfred Newman and Alex North . The motion picture was magnificently directed by Elia Kazan . It's a masterpiece and unforgettable classic movie for the cinema lovers .

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

22 August 1952 (West Germany)

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