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.
