In today's Spain, so politically inclined to the extreme left, it is fashionable to criticize the films that were made during the regime of Francisco Franco. Of course not all films done in Spain in the post Civil War period (1936-1975) were good, just as not all films done during the present "democracy" are good either. I hope that some day in the future common sense prevails and Spanish films will be judged by art and not by politics.
In reference to "Pequeñeces", it was filmed by CIFESA in the backdrop of a strong and highly organized film industry that worked very similar to the Hollywood studios of the same era. CIFESA had under contract, a magnificent roster of writers, technicians, producers, directors, and actors who worked constantly in the many productions filmed every year for distribution in Spain and all over the world, most especially Latin America. Consequently, "Pequeñeces" boasts of impressive production values as it recreated in great detail the world of aristocracy during the last days of King Amadeus of Savoy and the revolt that ousted him. The cinematography by Theodore J. Pahle is superb in spite of the very difficult sets he had to photograph, but I found the soundtrack music by Juan Quintero sometimes too heavy and intrusive. The script based on the novel by Father Luis Coloma is as baroque as the novel itself. I was surprised that a priest could have written such a risqué story whose main characters are a bunch of unlikable perverts. You will see a ruthless evil mother (Curra Albornoz, played by Aurora Bautista), a degenerate playboy (Jacobo Tellez played by Jorge Mistral), rampant adultery by all, a valueless, corrupt, pleasure-seeking aristocracy, inordinate sexual passions, assassins, a high end prostitute (Monique played by Sarita Montiel) and even an obviously gay character (Frasquito played by the great Félix Fernández).
You probably ask: all that during the terrible days of Franco's censorship? Yes indeed, and more. Of course towards the end, all the sinners receive their just punishment for their behavior, and you either think the punishment was not enough, or you simply don't care after sitting for over two hours watching all the mayhem. Although overlong and episodic, "Pequeñeces" -directed with military precision by Juan de Orduña- should be seen at least once. And, by all means, continue watching Spanish films made in the 1930´s, 1940´s, 1950´s and 1960´s and your life will be enrich by the many cinematic gems that were made in that golden era.
