Capably directed by Ismael Rodriguez, this piece brings together some of the key figures of Mexico's 'Golden Age' all of whom had collaborated on some of the greatest films from that era. Wearing his actor's sombrero on this occasion is one of his country's finest directors Emilio Fernández whilst cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa proves just as effective in colour and Raúl Lavista provides a powerful score. Actor Pedro Armendáriz impresses in a relatively minor role and together for the first time are the two undisputed Prima Donnas of Mexican Cinema, earthy Maria Félix and aristocratic Dolores del Rio. Needless to say the press built up a so-called rivalry between the two which did not in reality exist and indeed they became bosom buddies. Both these charismatic performers represent two sides of the same coin for although del Rio's sensuality is less overt than that of her co-star, not for nothing had Orson Welles described her as the most exciting woman he had ever known. She had been pursued for years by Fernández whose advances she rejected which had made their working relationship untenable but here they are, ironically, playing lovers. The personal life of Félix was far from uneventful as she was twice widowed and thrice divorced. She would go on to portray legendary Soldadera Juana Gallo although far too glamorous for the role whilst del Rio confessed she hoped this would be the last movie about the Mexican Revolution she would make.
Although not a classic of its type it is nonetheless visually impressive and features the strong, impassioned performances that for the most part are alas sorely lacking in today's one-dimensional Cinema.
