O Automóvel Cinza

Celebrated Mexican serial continued circulating into the sound period.

The use of real events separates the film from other contemporary serial movies. Like the French anarchist Bonnot gang, the criminals here pioneer the use of a motor vehicle in the robberies and kidnappings they commit wearing military uniforms. The film follows the exploits of individual gang members and characters, like a victim who joins law enforcement to pursue them, or real life Police Chief Juan Manuel Cabrera appearing and working on the script.

Undercharacterized and short on action or dramatic highlights at a reconstructed fuzzy pink four hours, it remains an intriguing artifact when you consider it's enduring popularity on it's home turf.