biblicalepicfan Reviews

Dos pintores pintorescos (1967)

Viruta and Capulina's final film is poignant but still good!

[10/10 · 15 August 2019]

Dos pintores pintorescos (Two Painterly Painters) is Viruta and Capulina's final film. According to the press of the time, the comedy duo had already separated and only agreed to do the film in order to fulfill a previously signed contract. Affected by the duo's declining popularity, Gaspar Henaine wanted to embark on a career of his own; Viruta had no other choice but to do the same. This is an interesting Viruta and Capulina film because it is one of their few Eastmancolor productions; most of their vehicles were black-and-white movies. Ariel Award-winning cinematographer Rosalío Solano provides great camera work, and Roberto Gómez Bolaños' script is excellent. Marco Antonio Campos and Gaspar Henaine are funny as always, but one can sense that by this time they really weren't getting along anymore. Regina Torné and Gilda Mirós, have the distinction of being Viruta and Capulina's final leading ladies. Miguel Córcega is convincingly villainous. Eduardo Alcaraz, as the art teacher, is hilarious. I noticed that the film (both story and script) tends to favor Gaspar Henaine almost to the point that this can be considered one of Capulina's standalone films. That's the reason why I find this a bittersweet end to one of show business' greatest comedy duos. It's definitely worth watching and I like to watch it constantly because it's fun and literally colorful!

Carmen (I) (1915)

Geraldine Farrar is superb in this breathtaking silent film directed by Cecil B. DeMille!

[10/10 · 11 July 2015]

Cecil B. DeMille's "Carmen" is a breathtaking silent film. DeMille's outstanding talent as a director and producer shines in all of his films. Geraldine Farrar's spirited portrayal of Carmen is one of the best acting performances in the entire history of cinema. Alvin Wyckoff's cinematography is splendid, and William C. deMille's screenplay is very memorable. Wallace Reid and Pedro de Córdoba also give skilled performances, as does Jeanie Macpherson (DeMille's exclusive screenwriter) as Carmen's adversary. The on-screen fight between Farrar and Macpherson is also realistic.

Farrar's captivating performance and DeMille's expert direction make "Carmen" one of the best films ever made.

A Romance of the Redwoods (1917)

Wonderful silent western directed by Cecil B. DeMille!

[10/10 · 9 July 2015]

Cecil B. DeMille's "A Romance of the Redwoods" is one of the greatest silent films ever made and one of my personal favorites. DeMille, who had started making films three years prior to this film, gives skillful direction to the whole production. I'm new to the work of the film's star, Mary Pickford, America's Sweetheart, and America's Sweetheart she was and is! Pickford was a very beautiful woman and an extremely good actress; her performance is subtle, endearing and convincing. Elliott Dexter and Charles Ogle are also believable. The story is interesting, poignant and beautiful. There are several humorous moments between Pickford, Dexter and the other characters. The log cabin, redwood forest and outdoor locations make the film all the more authentic. This is a wonderful film directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the best director of all time.

Los fanfarrones (1960)

Constantly entertaining, this fascinating Mexican film is one of the best comedies ever made!

[10/10 · 23 June 2015]

"Los fanfarrones" is one of the best western comedies of classic Mexican cinema. There couldn't have been a better cast: Miguel Aceves Mejía and Flor Silvestre as the first couple, Julio Aldama and Irma Dorantes as the second couple, and Mauricio Garcés and Verónica Loyo as the third couple, all have great chemistry on screen and excellent talent for comedy. Miguel and Flor both worked together in a radio program, a television program, and another film ("El ciclón", 1959), while Julio and Irma have appeared as a couple in several other films, too. Miguel, Flor, Julio, Irma, and Verónica, five of Mexico's best folk singers, sing various songs, and Mauricio, although he wasn't a recording artist (he was a comic actor), also contributes to the soundtrack. The film is also greatly benefited by Rogelio A. González's expert direction, a unique screenplay (original story written by José María Fernández Unsáin; adaptation by Alfredo Varela, Jr.), and effective supporting and minor roles (e.g. Joaquín García "Borolas", Lupe Carriles).

La chamuscada (Tierra y libertad) (1971)

Luis Aguilar, Rodolfo de Anda, Emilio "Indio" Fernández, and Irma Serrano are all impressive in this film about the Mexican Revolution!

[10/10 · 15 June 2015]

"La Chamuscada" is one of the greatest and most interesting films about the Mexican Revolution because its screenplay, direction, cinematography, and performances are all very memorable. The film, shot in 1967, wasn't released until 1971.

Luis Aguilar plays his character with solemnity and depth; this had to be the best performance of his career up to that point. Rodolfo de Anda is perfect in the role of the hacendado's nephew. Emilio Fernández and Irma Serrano were well cast as father and daughter, because of their temperamental personalities; Emilio is great as always, and the beautiful Irma, who gets the role of her career in this film, demonstrates her acting prowess.

Tres muchachas de Jalisco (1964)

Three beautiful women from Jalisco!

[10/10 · 21 May 2015]

"Tres muchachas de Jalisco" stars Elvira Quintana, Flor Silvestre, and María Duval, three of Mexico's most beautiful and talented actresses and singers. They also happen to be my favorite leading ladies of classic Mexican films... and I'm very content that all three made a great film together! Supporting roles are played by Álvaro Zermeño, Carlos López Moctezuma, León Michel, Chucho Salinas (who provides the comic relief), Adolfo Garza, and Sofía Álvarez (another beautiful actress and talented singer). The acting and musical performances of the entire cast are outstanding, and this film is superbly entertaining as both a comedy and a musical. The gorgeous Eastmancolor cinematography and the picturesque filming locations are remarkably attractive. This classic Mexican film is absolutely unique and unforgettable.

¡Viva la soldadera! (1960)

Flor Silvestre gives a superb performance in this film!

[10/10 · 5 January 2015]

First of all, I'm a great fan of singer and actress Flor Silvestre, whom I consider is Mexico's greatest talent and the last living legend of both music and screen. "¡Viva la soldadera!" is unique because it is one of the few films in which Flor Silvestre is top-billed (this means her name is credited first and her fame has total precedence); I believe this did not happen again in Flor's following films.

The film's main quality is the excellent performance of Flor Silvestre as Dolores "Lolita" Vargas. She deserves an award for her acting in this film. This is one of her greatest films and she is skillfully directed by Miguel Contreras Torres, who wrote, produced, and directed the film.

The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

One of DeMille's greatest films, it truly deserved its Academy Award!

[10/10 · 5 January 2015]

"The Greatest Show on Earth", one of Cecil B. DeMille's greatest films, is very underrated. I believe DeMille made this film because he wanted people to understand the hard work behind a circus, and he succeeded in telling a great story behind a great spectacle. The film's drama is very interesting and will always keep you on the edge of your seat. The screenplay is witty and smart. The acting, as in all of DeMille's films, is excellent. The cast should have also received Academy Award nominations for their performances. This film deserved its Academy Award for Best Picture (no matter what anybody says) because everything in it blends perfectly. "Samson and Delilah" and "The Ten Commandments", two of DeMille's other great films, also deserved Academy Awards for Best Picture.

Los Beverly de Peralvillo (1968–1973)

Underrated sitcom, a classic of Mexican television

[10/10 · 18 November 2014]

"Los Beverly de Peralvillo" is a classic sitcom of Mexican television. I recently discovered it online because I didn't grow up watching it. It is not as popular as Chespirito's "El Chavo del Ocho", but it should be; both shows are fun for the whole family. It is really funny and has memorable characters (El Borras, La Pecas, El Bigos, La Tarantula, etc.) created by Mauricio Kleiff, a talented writer. The cast is made up of actors and actresses who previously had supporting or minor roles in films, but here they get the chance to become comedy legends of the small screen. The series aired from 1969 to 1973; it was cancelled presumably because it faced tough competition from other sitcoms ("La criada bien criada", "El Chavo del Ocho", and "El Chapulín Colorado"). Another feature that makes this sitcom an undisputed comedy classic is that it was shot in black-and-white in its first years (1969-1971). I give this show my highest recommendation.

Caballo prieto azabache (1968)

Outstanding Mexican Revolution drama!

[10/10 · 10 November 2014]

"Caballo prieto azabache (La tumba de Villa)" is one of the greatest Mexican Revolution dramas I've ever seen. Rafael García Travesí's story is just brilliant; it will keep you on the edge of your seat because it is very exciting. Highlights of the film's storyline are the friendship between Jesús Aguilar and Pancho Villa, Aguilar's reciprocal love for the beautiful Genoveva Larios, and Aguilar's affection for, and the death of, his stallion Prieto Azabache. René Cardona does an exceptional job of directing and gets great performances out of Antonio Aguilar, Flor Silvestre, Jaime Fernández, Jorge Russek, Jessica Munguía, Guillermo Rivas, Tito Novaro, and others. Raúl "Chato" Padilla (Jaimito, el cartero), the star of "El Chavo del Ocho", is uncredited as Pancho Villa, but does an excellent portrayal of the famous revolutionary leader. Alejandro Reyna "Tío Plácido" provides comic relief. The soundtrack is superb and contains some of the greatest hits of Antonio Aguilar ("Caballo prieto azabache", "La tumba de Villa") and Flor Silvestre ("Una limosna", "El mar y la esperanza"). Exterior shots were filmed at the picturesque countryside of the state of Morelos.

Capulina 'Speedy' González: 'El Rápido' (1970)

Pure fun with Capulina and Leonorilda Ochoa in the Wild West!

[10/10 · 6 November 2014]

"Capulina 'Speedy' González: El Rápido" (the film's complete title) is the first Capulina film I ever saw. It is a great comedy from the '60s (though released in the '70s) and one of Capulina's best. He plays Capulina Espiridión "Speedy" González, a chili pepper-fueled courier who is very hilarious. Leonorilda Ochoa, a great comedian in her own right, is no less hilarious as his girlfriend, Rosita Smith. Capulina and Leonorilda have great chemistry; she is one of Capulina's best leading ladies. The story, screenplay, sets, costumes, music, and supporting cast are all superb as well! Víctor Alcocer is exceptionally funny as the town priest, and "gringos" Jorge Radó and John Kelly give the film an authentic touch, since the film takes place in a United States town near the Mexican border.

Other favorite Capulina films of this extraordinary caliber include "Mi padrino" (1969), "El médico módico" (1971), "El bueno para nada" (1973), and "Capulina contra las momias" (1973).

Lauro Puñales (1969)

It's Flor Silvestre's "acting chops", not Antonio Aguilar's spurs, that shine in this film!

[10/10 · 6 November 2014]

"Lauro Puñales" is not your run-of-the-mill Mexican Revolution drama, it has a few interesting aspects to it: Flor Silvestre's remarkable performance, a splendid all-star cast, and a great screenplay by Rafael García Travesí. The poor aspects about it, however, can seem distracting or make the film dismissive. Cardona's bland direction, poor production values, and too many villains (there are three, only two would have been fine) are the reasons why this film is not as great as it could have been.

The realism in Flor Silvestre's performance is really enthralling, as is her beauty. She is truly convincing as Rosenda, an admirably virtuous and patriotic woman who loves the dagger-throwing Lauro González (Antonio Aguilar, Flor's husband). She should have won the 1969 Mexican film award for Best Actress; Flor was versatile in both singing and acting, but she excelled at playing "soldaderas". The other performance that holds the viewer's attention is Alma Delia Fuentes'. The also beautiful actress plays Rosenda's younger sister, Teresa, a fiery, selfish young lady who is in love with a teacher. Fuentes should have won the 1969 Mexican film award for Best Supporting Actress. Other roles worthy of consideration, although less impressive than Flor's and Alma Delia's, are those portrayed by Antonio Aguilar, Elsa Cárdenas, Carlos Cortés, Julián Pastor, Miguel Ángel Ferriz, Guillermo Rivas, Jorge Russek, and the great Carlos López Moctezuma. Jaime Fernández looks distracted as Emiliano Zapata. Comic relief is provided by Eleazar García "Chelelo" and Alejandro Reyna "Tío Plácido".

El bueno para nada (1973)

One of Capulina's best solo comedies!

[10/10 · 3 November 2014]

"El bueno para nada" is one of Capulina's best solo comedies thanks to its great supporting cast. Capulina is outstandingly funny himself, but he is complemented by other extraordinary actors in this low-budget film. The beautiful and attractive actress Lina Marín, born in Oaxaca, is apt to play Capulina's indigenous girlfriend who works as a maid for an affluent couple; she is funny in her own right. The other leading lady who is also funny in her own right is Susana Alexander, a beautiful, talented and versatile actress who is also a comedy genius in Mexico; she effectively plays Carolina, the affluent lady for whom the maid works, and "steals the show" whenever she's on screen, as does Marín. Pancho Córdova, who plays Carolina's submissive husband, also shows great comedic talent. Ivonne Govea, Juan Gallardo, Enrique Pontón, Ricardo Adalid, and others contrast the comedy played by the leading stars by playing the dramatic roles.

The film was shot in eye-appealing Eastmancolor and features scenes filmed in Acapulco. I highly recommend this film; it is one of my all-time favorites.

Los chiflados del rock and roll (1957)

Magnificently amusing! One of the best Mexican comedies!

[10/10 · 2 June 2014]

This film has to be one of the best Mexican comedies; the entire cast provides comic relief! It is a sequel to the film, "Los tres bohemios," and Aguilar, Lara, Vargas, Salomé, and Magaña reprise their roles. Piporro is extremely hilarious as Apolonio Aguilar, the stingy, eccentric uncle of Luis. In his autobiography, he admitted that his role was "very good." The romantic interest is provided by a lovely, tomboyish Rosita Arenas who also sings three folk songs rather well. Other notable characters include Macario, Apolonio's stuttering ranch hand, and Calígula Lara, Agustín's wisecracking macaw. These last two lend solid comic support to the already comic lead stars. This film is one of those few which deserve more than ten stars.

Sodom and Gomorrah (1962)

Well-made, entertaining, international biblical epic

[10/10 · 28 May 2014]

I have only seen this film one time, but, being an enthusiastic fan of classic biblical epics, I must admit that this is a well-made, entertaining, international biblical epic. I found it visually compelling; the magnificent sets, outstanding cinematography, and epic scenes are all worthy to watch.

Performances are very, very good. The whole cast gives believable portrayals. Anouk Aimée's portrayal of the Queen is subtle and flawless; she lends elegant beauty and regal grace to the extremely evil villain. I was fascinated with the brilliant character motivation that the screenwriter and director created for Ildith, Lot's wife, excellently played by a gorgeous Pier Angeli. It gives the character more depth and is, by far, the best characterization of Lot's wife in a film.

I highly regard this film as one of the best biblical epics of all time. If has everything associated with the genre: romance, drama, disaster, and religion.

Samson and Delilah (1949)

A biblical masterpiece from Mr. DeMille!

[10/10 · 20 March 2014]

"Samson and Delilah", the precursor of producer-director Cecil B. DeMille's tour de force, "The Ten Commandments", is truly a beautiful, entertaining, and impeccable film; it reenacts a famous biblical story of love, hate, betrayal, remorse, faith, vengeance, and self-sacrifice: the story of Samson and Delilah.

Victor Mature's characterization of Samson is superb; he adds human quality and depth to the challenging role. Hedy Lamarr is exquisite and absolutely convincing as Delilah since she has Minoan-like looks (fair skin, dark wavy hair, fine features, and a slim figure) and first-rate acting expertise. George Sanders also crafts a fine performance as the sophisticated, easygoing Saran. A young Angela Lansbury gives a gracefully splendid performance as Delilah's older sister, Semadar. Henry Wilcoxon, Olive Deering, Fay Holden, Julia Faye, Russ Tamblyn, William Farnum, Laura Elliot (actress Kasey Rogers in a minor role), and countless others are also remarkably good in supporting roles.

Victor Young's score is one of the best film scores (along with Elmer Bernstein's for "The Ten Commandments") in the entire history of motion pictures. It's engrossing, vivid, and descriptive of the film's characters, themes, and emotions. The Academy Award-winning art direction, set decoration, and costumes also add special value to this film. DeMille's sensational directing style, which always perfects the beneficial cinematic elements of action, romance, disaster, and religion, is prominently and effectively displayed in this film.

Cecil B. DeMille was, undoubtedly, the master of the biblical epic.

Los legionarios (1958)

Entertaining Middle Eastern escapism... created in Mexico!

[10/10 · 27 August 2013]

"Los legionarios" is the fourth film featuring Marco Antonio Campos and Gaspar Henaine as Viruta and Capulina. It is also noteworthy for being Chespirito's film debut as a screenwriter. Another interesting aspect about this film is that Viruta and Capulina are billed after rumbera star María Antonieta Pons, the film's female lead. Pons portrays Sheila, a beautiful Arab noblewoman whose abductor is her former fiancé, a prince named Omar who owns a harem. He wants to marry her but she rejects and will only accept if he gets rid of his harem. Viruta and Capulina are deserters of the Foreign Legion and disguise themselves as odalisques in order to escape but are mistakenly taken for slaves and sold to Omar's harem...

This film is certainly entertaining. It has a good plot and funny dialogue and sets that are both accurate and lush. Donna Behar, a Lebanese singer, gives a strong and competent performance as one of Omar's odalisques. Her singing is perhaps one of the most mesmerizing moments in the entire history of Mexican cinema. She beautifully sings "Paloma cu-cu-rru-cu-cu" (the song that Lola Beltrán later popularized) in both Spanish and Arabic (for which she composed the lyrics). Bárbara Codina also gives a great and believable performance as Farida, Omar's scorned odalisque who hates Sheila.

El dolor de pagar la renta (1960)

The Hilarious Forerunner of Roberto Gómez Bolaños' "El Chavo del Ocho"

[10/10 · 29 October 2012]

"El dolor de pagar la renta" ("The Pain of Paying Rent") is one of the first films that Roberto Gómez Bolaños, also known as "Chespirito", wrote for the popular double act Viruta y Capulina. The film's plot, screenplay, and gags authentically resemble the comedy shown in Roberto Gómez Bolaños' later work, the sitcom "El Chavo del Ocho" (1972-1980).

The film was shot at Estudios Churubusco in 1959, as were all productions of Miguel Zacarías. The set used as Viruta and Capulina's neighborhood was also used as Cantinflas' carpentry workplace in his 1961 Eastmancolor film, "El analfabeto".

The supporting cast is outstanding. Among them is Miguel Suárez who plays the neighborhood landlord Don Próspero, and who later appeared as La India María's stingy grandfather in "Duro pero seguro" in 1978. Mercedes Ruffino, who appeared in Victor Fleming's 1942 "Tortilla Flat", is very funny as Don Próspero's wife, Robusta. Celia Viveros, Amparo Arozamena, Julián de Meriche, Tito Novaro, Miguel Córcega, Guillermo Hernández and the leading ladies Lilia Guízar, Norma Lazareno, and Rosa Cué also give great performances.

Cada quién su lucha (1966)

Original, humorous comedy about luck and superstition

[10/10 · 27 October 2012]

"Cada quién su lucha" is one of the best comedy films ever to come out of Mexico's "Commerical Cinema" (1960-1969). Featuring the popular Mexican double act "Viruta y Capulina", which is Mexico's answer to "Abbott and Costello", the film co-stars the attractive, brunette starlet María Duval and the cute, blonde Argentine-born singer Baby Bell as the leading ladies. The original, imaginative story by Alfredo Zacarías and the hilarious screenplay written by Roberto Gómez Bolaños contribute greatly to make this film truly humorous. "Cada quién su lucha" is in many ways similar to "La cigüeña distraída", another film produced by Producciones Zacarías. Both films star Viruta and Capulina, and have many recurring supporting cast members such as María Duval. Though "La cigüeña distraída" was filmed earlier, it premiered after "Cada quién su lucha".

Valente Quintero (1973)

Excellent Mexican Revolution drama, intended to revive the "Golden Age" of Mexican Cinema.

[10/10 · 3 October 2012]

With the distinction of being Mario Hernández's first released film (his debut film "La yegua colorada" had been filmed before this one but was released a little later in 1973), "Valente Quintero" is an excellent film about the Mexican Revolution, although it also takes place during the post-Mexican Revolution period. The epic battle scene in the beginning is very noteworthy. This drama is illuminated by its all-star cast: special performances by Saby Kamalich, Narciso Busquets, Sara García, Cornelio Reyna, Enriqueta Jiménez, and Flor Silvestre really emote comedy and entertainment to this film. Meanwhile, the main and typical stars (e.g. Antonio Aguilar, Eleazar García, Alejandro Reyna) also give great performances, especially Alejandro Reyna who in this film portrays a stoic but amusing drunkard doctor; an interesting contrast to his past roles as the comic sidekick of Antonio Aguilar. The film is produced and co-written by Antonio Aguilar. "Valente Quintero" premiered in various Mexico City movie theaters on April 12, 1973 and screenings remained for six weeks, a moderately good box-office hit.

El revólver sangriento (1964)

"The most quintessential, suspenseful, and star-studded western of Mexican cinema"

[10/10 · 14 December 2011]

Regarded as one of the most quintessential and suspenseful westerns ever to come out of any year in Mexican cinema, the film's success traveled overseas as it was released in Italy in 1966.

Full of movie stars, singers, and directors (also acting in this film), "El revólver sangriento" is an excellent western of the '60s, and any decade. Under the direction of Miguel M. Delgado, noted director of Cantinflas, the film's plot revolves around a revolver that as the taglines referred to "means justice in the hands of the brave". We see notable actor-singers such as Luis Aguilar, Lola Beltrán, Flor Silvestre, Manuel Capetillo, Cuco Sánchez, Antonio Aguilar, Juan Mendoza, and Irma Dorantes shine, act, and sing at their best. We also see award-winning directors René Cardona and Emilio Fernández in acting roles.

What else can one say? Only to "watch it"... you will agree!

Primero soy mexicano (1950)

"Excellent example of Mexico's Golden era of cinema"

[10/10 · 14 December 2011]

This is an extraordinary example of the films that marked the once "Golden era" of Mexican cinema that commenced in the late 1930s and then lasted until the late 1960s and early 1970s.

By the 1950s, cinema was Mexico's prime entertainment source, and many people marveled at the detailed, colorful, and descriptive theatrical posters that adorned the theaters. Few color films had been released, but this film does fine in normal black-and-white. Although it was never nominated for any Ariel Awards, the film's theme is quite unique. That of American influence in Mexicans, and also about morale. The film features an all-star cast that includes veteran actors (Joaquín Pardavé, Arturo Soto Rangel, Lupe Inclán, Felipe Montoya) who became famous during the early 1940s, and up and coming actor-singers (Luis Aguilar, Flor Silvestre, Francisco Avitia) who later achieved fame in their musical and film careers. Being the thirteenth film directed by Pardavé, "Primero soy mexicano" explores an old hacendado and his Americanized son as they reunite after his many years of absence. The story is based on Uruguayan dramatist Florencio Sánchez's "M'hijo el dotor", a 1903 play. The screenplay is written with Pardavé's ingenious pen, and accommodates the rural Mexican vernacular. Performances are great as well, as Pardavé receives top-billing and is conceivable as a rural, illiterate Mexican hacendado. Luis Aguilar is granted the second billing, as he was becoming a big movie-star and is also believable as an ethereal, educated doctor who seems to be embarrassed about his "Mexican" heritage. Flor Silvestre is the third billed star, and is absolutely the image of espial in this film as it is her first feature film and starring role. We take a first look of her in an important film and in an important role. She is in her 20s, and is inevitably beautiful. Pardavé did an excellent job in directing her, and is the person (along with producer Gregorio Walerstein) who discovered her talent in acting. She also sings, only two songs though, but has a beautiful voice that landed her international musical career since the early 1940s. Francisco Avitia, later known as "El Charro Avitia", has his acting debut in this film. His filmography, however, only lasts four more films in supporting roles, but his next film "El tigre enmascarado" of 1951, reunites him with this film's cast (e.g. Aguilar and Silvestre). Avitia also has acting ability in this film, as he is cast as Pardavé's rugged, temperamental foreman. Other supporting roles such as those of Arturo Soto Rangel, Lupe Inclán, Felipe Montoya also grace this movie and firmly establishes it as one of the best "Golden era" drama-comedy films. I highly recommend this film, it is very special and pleasant.

El rifle implacable (1965)

"Good Mexican Western"

[10/10 · 20 March 2011]

El rifle implacable is a good, if not the best, Mexican western directed by Miguel M. Delgado. As typical of its time, the film explores justice by a heroic bandit/gunslinger. Antonio Aguilar takes the lead as wrongly-accused gunslinger Martín Pérez, who flees from the authorities with the help of beautiful, orphaned land heiress Luisa Vélez (portrayed by Flor Silvestre) and her conservative, fair- minded younger sister Ana Veléz (played by Colima-born Olivia Michel). On the condition of his help, the sisters also allow him to work as a ranch hand in their farm. Supporting cast includes brothers Víctor and Tito Junco, who play the villains. Also, "El Chavo del Ocho" star Ramón Valdés makes a cameo appearance. Japanese Mexican actor Noé Murayama goes uncredited as another villain by the name of "El Puma".

The film is not bad, although it is not as entertaining or suspensive as other western films of the era, like "El revólver sangriento" (1964) or "El zurdo" (1965). It is a low-budget production that was filmed in Valle de Bravo. Throughout the whole movie only Aguilar and Silvestre sing, each one song. The film clearly was never popular, although it is memorable to watch. Overall, one could watch it as a timeless classic that is accompanied by good singing and good acting.

La Valentina (1966)

María Félix and Piporro star in this vibrant, vivid comic drama set during the Mexican Revolution!

[10/10 · 16 March 2010]

"La Valentina," a Gregorio Walerstein production, unites two popular figures of Mexican cinema: María Félix and Piporro. The film was, in all aspects, a very costly production. It was shot in color (using the Eastmancolor process, popular in Mexico), and that alone set it aside from other big productions of the time such as "Los cuatro juanes" or "Tiempo de morir." The lush interior sets created to represent a wealthy hacienda are also one of the film's major assets. Costumes are also very accurate, with Félix properly dressed as an early 20th-century Mexican woman from the rural upper class. Cinematography is very vivid; especially in the closeups.

This film is a timeless classic of Mexican cinema. It brings together two strong performers into one motion picture and the result is a one-of-a-time cinematic experience. It is a perfect, empowering mesh of comedy, drama, romance, adventure, and war.