La cucaracha

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.

Having the acting of María Félix, Indio Fernández and Dolores del Río, one may expect to see a superb Mexican film, but unfortunately this is not the case. Acting of Félix was far to be good and plot of the film was mediocre in general. The first scenes of the film were simply artificial, it looks like a film made by an amateur. For example, the brief acting of Pedro Armendáriz was incoherent and a forced step to provide more meaningless emotion to the film. The positive sides of the film were the acting of Dolores del Río, so then old but beautiful and attractive, as well as the one of Indio Fernández, who performed very well the role of the officer Zeta and also as the 'macho' of both Mexican female stars. It also showed how divided were the revolutionary movement in Mexico, some in favor of Pancho Villa and others favoring Porfirio Díaz.

This is one example of a Mexican film genre celebrating the Mexican Revolution (1910-1921, more or less) many of them directed by Ismael Rodriguez (or Emilio Fernández), photographed by Gabriel Figueroa and often starring either Maria Felix or Dolores Del Rio. This film is a melodrama starring Mexico's two great female film stars (Del Rio the more famous of the two in the United States but Felix probably the bigger star in Mexico) and photographed in color by Figueroa, who was earlier known for his moody black and white. As entertainment it's very enjoyable. Maria Felix isn't a great actress but she had a style greatly loved in Mexico and Dolores Del Rio is often luminous. Emilo Fernandez as the Colonel is impressive

Quite a good war drama but the love triangle was somewhat weak and its not as ironic or funny as it could have been. Straightfoward, with good performances (specially by Maria Felix) but not an overall great work as one would expect from an Ismael Rodriguez film with such an astounding cast. Very strong ending too.

If you like this sort of melodrama then Maria Felix can really give it to you. You might want to gen up about the Mexican Revolution, and if you find it too complex just watch this wonderfully over the top actor and not care. Emma Pennela had it and so did Melina Mercouri, but Felix despite the fact that nuances was not her style steals this wonderful fantasy ( or is it crazy reality ? ) of how powerful women can fight and win a revolution. The males strut around, and the women give in to them, but fight back when they need to. It was ' X ' certificated in the UK which is incredible given that it was released there in 1960. The fighting is full force, but nothing to disturb, and the sexuality is erotic ( a shot of a naked back and rolling around with clothes on ) not exactly worthy of such a high certificate. Hard to find, but look for it as it is deliriously worthwhile, even if the colour is brash and the filming a bit rough. It is quite simply fun.