Die Strolche von Mexiko

Jose (Roger Mobley) and his sister move down to mexico so she can work... later on, we find out that they have really moved so that social services can't take the little brother away. Jose meets up with a local boy Chuy (Rafael López), who shows him the ropes and how to survive. Chuy and his gang snitch money from the church box to bet on the races, and they hit it BIG! but now the problem is how to collect the money, since they are minors! a gritty look at life in mexico (supposedly), where the kids sell stuff on the streets to survive. Directed by Boris Sagal, who seems to have done mostly TV series. Sadly, he died quite young of a nasty helicopter accident. unusual film... you just want to see how it will end. only 98 votes on imdb as of today. they must not show this one very often. it's okay.

I was raised in the US but I saw this movie just once when I was 7 years old on Canadian TV. I have never seen this movie on American television although I believe it is a masterpiece. It made such an impact on me that I've never forgotten it. I even give it some credit for shaping my empathy and compassion. I just found out the name of the film today, after 35 years of wondering and searching(thanks Boo). One commenter wondered if this movie was suitable for children. Not only is this movie suitable for children, it should be mandatory in order to counter balance all the other junk that they are targeted for and exposed to today. This is a film that should be shown on TV every holiday season. I think the older we get, we tend to forget how sharp and comprehensive we actually were as children. Even at seven years old, I understood the beauty of this film.

Number one the cast actually included Mexicans playing Mexicans (for the most part) unusual for the early sixties and they were poor but not evil. The kids were so good at establishing memorable believable characters you rooted for them all the way.The simple plot draws you into complicity with them as their innocence is tested by a chain of circumstances beyond their control or, more often, comprehension.Rafael Campos is particularly memorable to me because of that flashing wide smile and wonderful sweetness of nature.So tiny yet loaded with personality and charm. I am dying for the day this is available on DVD so I can show it to my children.(And experience it for myself again)

This is a sweet story of hope, faith, disappointment, and plenty of life's lessons all centered around very likeable and wise boys. You will want everything to go their way even when they make some not-so-wise choices. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the lines that these very young men delivered in a very natural way. The boys were street-wise and yet very innocent and delivered witty lines that made this comedic drama worth watching anytime it is aired. I read the comments that disagree on whether this movie is kid appropriate. I'm pretty picky about that but I think I'd have no problem having my 11 year-old grandson watching it with me.

For an independent film marketed for kids, Dime With A Halo had a lot of adult content. Even with the Code cracking at the seams, I'm not sure how this one got through.

New kid in town Roger Mobley makes friends with Rafael Perez and a gang of kids in Tijuana after his sister, Barbara Luna, and he move down from Los Angeles where the Child Welfare has threatened to take Roger away from Barbara.

Apparently everyone in Tijuana bets the races, kids included. But there are laws about the pari-mutual window cashing tickets and kids buying tickets for that matter. Rafael, Roger and three friends pool their resources and buy a $2.00 six race exacta and hit it. They win over $80,000.00 but their American friend Paul Langton doesn't show up to cash the ticket for them. Of course weeks go by and the kids get into all kinds of schemes.

What was one racy scene for 1963 was Barbara Luna finding out about it and trying to appeal to young Rafael's budding hormones to get a hold of the winning ticket. Even ten years later the scene would have been a whole lot different. With what was there, I'm not sure how this got marketed to kids.

Dime With a Halo was shot in a cheap black and white with limited production values. It's one weird film for the kiddie trade.