Montserrat (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

Writers:

Lillian Hellman (english adaptation), Emmanuel Roblès (play)

Stars:

Jack Albertson, Michael Baseleon, Scott Colomby

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Credited cast:
Jack Albertson	...	Salas Ina
Michael Baseleon	...	Father Coroncit
Scott Colomby	...	Ricardo
Keir Dullea	...	Montserrat
Hurd Hatfield	...	Salcedo
Earl Holliman	...	Luhan
Geraldine Page	...	Felisa
Alexander Scourby
Martin Sheen
Paul Stevens	...	Zavala
Rip Torn	...	Izquierdo
Jess Walton	...	Felisa

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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Did You Know?

Connections

Version of Montserrat (1962)

User Reviews

A gut wrenching and unforgettable program

I was delighted to find out that there are others who remember this program. It remains one of the most moving dramas I have seen, on television or anywhere else. One thing that does not appear in the cast lists or the in any of the comments is the performance by Martin Sheen as a Mexican artisan, a carver of "santos", the holy figures of saints that are a part of the decoration of all Catholic churches.

Rip Torn's performance was stunning, too. As near as I can remember the cast, casting and direction were flawless. I, too, have often wondered why it never reappeared on the screen.

Hellman's original play is a wonderfully challenging script, challenging for the audience. It is one of the few dramas I have seen that made me really evaluate what I think is important enough that I would consider dying for.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 March 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hollywood Television Theater: Montserrat

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Television Theatre

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1