El dolor de pagar la renta

"El dolor de pagar la renta" ("The Pain of Paying Rent") is one of the first films that Roberto Gómez Bolaños, also known as "Chespirito", wrote for the popular double act Viruta y Capulina. The film's plot, screenplay, and gags authentically resemble the comedy shown in Roberto Gómez Bolaños' later work, the sitcom "El Chavo del Ocho" (1972-1980).

The film was shot at Estudios Churubusco in 1959, as were all productions of Miguel Zacarías. The set used as Viruta and Capulina's neighborhood was also used as Cantinflas' carpentry workplace in his 1961 Eastmancolor film, "El analfabeto".

The supporting cast is outstanding. Among them is Miguel Suárez who plays the neighborhood landlord Don Próspero, and who later appeared as La India María's stingy grandfather in "Duro pero seguro" in 1978. Mercedes Ruffino, who appeared in Victor Fleming's 1942 "Tortilla Flat", is very funny as Don Próspero's wife, Robusta. Celia Viveros, Amparo Arozamena, Julián de Meriche, Tito Novaro, Miguel Córcega, Guillermo Hernández and the leading ladies Lilia Guízar, Norma Lazareno, and Rosa Cué also give great performances.