La Cucaracha

... even if the film is rather pointless. Made by RKO to show off the sumptuous three-strip Technicolor process for the first time (after several two-strip bits and full-length features had been made through the period of 1929-1933), La Cucaracha is very thin on story - it is mostly set in a bar with dancing, singing (the title song, obviously), and a bit of fighting.

The sound quality wasn't brilliant but the visual quality can't be faulted. This movie is on DVD as an extra to RKO's Dixiana (itself boasting beautiful two-strip colour in the final sequences) but is really on worth a look for historical interest.

"La Cucaracha" is a short that features lots of singing and dancing....and about a billion choruses of the song! Yes, THAT song...the one about cockroaches. Señor Martinez comes to the cantina looking for talent for his shows. Conchita is afraid that Martinez will take away Pancho, so she spends most of the film annoying Martinez--to drive him off!

"La Cucaracha" is a film that would have been completely forgotten over the years except for one thing--it's the first color film made using true color. Let me explain. In the early part of the 20th century, a few films actually were hand-painted--and the results were color...or sorts. Later, two-color processed (such as Two Color Technicolor and Cinecolor) were developed and the results were fair. The problem was that the films looked very orange and very green and a true spectrum of colors was absent. So, for example, true blues were not possible with the films. Now when you see "La Cucaracha", you might not be very impressed with the color. It looks garish--and a lot like it's been colorized but with much more vibrant colors (particularly blues and yellows). I am not sure if this ugly look is because of the effects of time and degradation on the film stock, the quality of the new Three Color Technicolor or because the 'experts' just didn't know what they were doing since it was such a new thing. But, regardless, the film is mega-important from a historical perspective. And, by the way, some might think "Becky Sharp" was the first full-color film. It's actually the first full-color FULL-LENGTH film--"La Cucaracha" was a short. Overall, the film is mildly entertaining and moderately funny--but nothing more. It's only fair entertainment but for film buffs it's a must-see.

If Technicolor was ever going to be used to good effect early on, then this scenario would seem to have been a good choice. The story is all largely predicable as impresario "Sr. Martinez" (Paul Porcasi) arrives at a café for a nice supper and to watch a dancer he hopes to sign up. The resident singer "Chaquita" (Steffi Duna) overhears his plans and sees an opportunity for stardom herself. That tees us up for some flamboyant Spanish dancing from "Pancho" (Don Alvarado) and a fine rendition of the old folk song "La Cucaracha" from Miss Duna. We get the impression that dancer and singer are a bit hung up on each other, and that "Martinez" is heading for a fall, but none of that really matters here as the whole thing is really about showing us just how bright and vital the colours and costumes are when lit properly and the dancing creatively choreographed.

I sought this out because I'm on a quest to understand the influence of Spanish-speaking filmmakers. I'm really impressed with the current crop wherever they live. Surely there's a literary tradition of folding behind this: Cervantes, Borges, Cortazar...

Now this isn't quite a Spanish film, it is by gringos and only references Spanish idioms. But it is interesting nonetheless.

It is the first film made with the three strip Technicolor process, so it is an audition of sorts. And the audition is for color and spice, if you will.

So the story centers on an audition and on spice, both wrapped in Spanish trappings. That allows our performers in the show within the show to be colorful, especially with greens and blues. Very nice.

The fellow that has to be pleased has an encounter with the girl who we are to receive as sexy. He blushes and a subtle red light is used on his face. Pretty good. The folding here is that the judge in the on screen audience likes the "color." And we are meant to as well.

Then there's a bit with two warring numbers, one the title song that mentions marijuana.

Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.

La Cucaracha (1934)

** (out of 4)

This Oscar-nominated film is rather short on story, which takes a backseat to the studio's use of Technicolor. The film tells the story of a Spanish singer (Steffi Duna) who is worried that her lover/dancer (Don Alvarado) is about to be taken away for a bigger gig so she goes out of her way to ruin his meeting with the producer (Paul Porcasi). This short is certainly very hit and miss because while the story is rather bland, the performances and look of the movie are top notch. I really enjoyed the visual look of the film and the print quality is still strong enough to show off the rather good looking colors. Just take a look early in the film at a greenish colored cape, which just looks marvelous. I also enjoyed all three of the main characters due in large part to the fun performances with Duna really sticking out with her beauty and charm. With that said, the story is pretty weak and the movie goes by at a snail's pace.