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The Soldiers of Pancho Villa
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Wikipedia article
'The Soldiers of Pancho Villa' is a 1959 Mexican epic historical drama film co-written, produced, and directed by Ismael Rodrguez, inspired by the popular Mexican Revolution corrido "La Cucaracha". It stars Mara Flix and Dolores del Ro in the lead roles, and features Emilio Fernndez, Antonio Aguilar, Flor Silvestre, and Pedro Armendriz in supporting roles.
The film was nominated for a Golden Palm award at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival. It was named the ninety-sixth best film of Mexican cinema by 'Somos' magazine. Filming took place in Zacatecas and in Sierra de rganos National Park in the town of Sombrerete, Mxico
Plot
When the Mexican Revolution was exploding, there was a woman who made history, her name was "La Cucaracha" (Mara Flix). Her great passion was the Revolution, but her downfall was a man: Colonel Antonio Zeta (Emilio Fernndez), who has eyes for another woman, Isabel, the widow (Dolores del Ro). The rivalry between both women explodes.
Cast
* Mara Flix as Refugio "La Cucaracha"
* Dolores del Ro as Isabel
* Emilio Fernndez as Colonel Antonio Zeta
* Antonio Aguilar as Captain Ventura
* Flor Silvestre as Lola
* Ignacio Lpez Tarso as Trinidad
* Cuco Snchez as Soldier
* Irma Torres as Soldadera
* Miguel Manzano as Gabriel Fuentes
* Lupe Carriles as "Trompeta"
* Humberto Almazn as Soldier
* Alicia del Lago as Pregnant soldadera
* Emma Roldn as Midwife
* Tito Novaro as Jacobo Mndez
* Manuel Trejo Morales as Mayor
* Antonio Haro Oliva as Revolutionary priest
* David Reynoso as Colonel Ricardo Ziga
* Amado Zumaya as Soldier
* Luis Mario Jarero as Don Lupe
* Manuel Vergara as Soldier
* Guillermo Hernndez as Soldier
* Magdaleno Barba
* Armando Gutirrez as Priest
* Jos Carlos Mndez as Pinguico
* Pedro Armendriz as Colonel Valentn Razo
* Los Dorados as Performers at cantina
* Dueto Amrica as Singing revolutionary duet
Release
'La Cucaracha' premiered at the Robles and Ariel theaters in Mexico City on November 12, 1959 for five weeks. It premiered in the United States at New York City's Tivoli Theatre on November 1, 1961.
Critical reception
Howard Thompson of 'The New York Times' gave 'La Cucaracha' a positive review by writing: "Although the film never rises in stature above its melodramatic plane and romantic embellishments, it is well acted, crisply directed by producer Ismael Rodrguez and graphically photographed by Gabriel Figueroa... Both Seorita Flix, as the amoral spitfire, and Seorita Del Ro, as her aristocratic adversary, are persuasively passionate. Seor Fernndez, as their manly quarry, is excellent. Even minus real depth, there is much to be said for a melodramatic eye-filler as tough and tangy as this one. Neighbors below, let's have more."Accolades
References
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