La Cucaracha

The Soldiers of Pancho Villa (1959)

The original Mexican title of this movie was "La Cucaracha". But, there was a 1934 technicolor short made in the U.S. with that same title, so here in the States, it's known as The Soldiers of Pancho Villa although you don't ever see General Villa in the film.

This Eastman Color movie, filmed in Durango, Mexico, by Ismael Rodríguez, is a great drama, and stars many famous Mexican actors of the golden age of Mexican cinema.

The film opens with Colonel Antonio Zeta (Emilio 'el Indio' Fernández) and what's left of his revolutionary soldiers, the Northern Panthers, staggering into town. His orders from General Villa are to attack a heavily fortified city with what ever soldiers he can muster. So, Colonel Zeta must conscript the local men and many boys of the village to join the fight whether they want to or not.

Captain Ventura (Antonio Aguilar) is a local officer who isn't sure whether to follow Colonel Zeta into a doomed mission or not, but anything for the revolution.

One of the drafted men that Antonio Zeta collects is the village teacher, who although he agrees with the revolution, is a pacifist. His wife, Isabel Puente (Dolores del Rio) pleads with the Colonel to set her husband free, to no luck. Isabel will soon find that her husband was killed and blames Colonel Zeta for this.

It is also here that he meets Refugio, or La Cucaracha (played by famous Mexican actress La María or María Félix) who is an infamous revolutionary, party girl, and camp follower. Naturally, the two are going to fall into a fiery love affair. That is until he meets up and must duel with a jilted ex-lover, Colonel Valentín Razo (Pedro Armendáriz).

(1959) La cucaracha/ The Soldiers of Pancho Villa (In Spanish/ Mexico with English subtitles) HISTORICAL FICTION

Stars Jaime Fernández as Coronel Antonio Zeta under Villa's orders to fight along for the rights of the Mexican people during the revolution, then the film dwells on his relationships between two women. Directed by Ismael Rodríguez and was released in 1959 according to imdb.com. One of the most boring movies I had had ever seen since the budget shows where it's worked within the story rather than showcasing scenes that can make this film entertaining where the characters always explain the situation rather than show it. It's also superficial hogwash when the colonel can get the only two most desired women throughout the whole film while everyone else has mediocre looking wives/ spouses.

Capably directed by Ismael Rodriguez, this piece brings together some of the key figures of Mexico's 'Golden Age' all of whom had collaborated on some of the greatest films from that era. Wearing his actor's sombrero on this occasion is one of his country's finest directors Emilio Fernández whilst cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa proves just as effective in colour and Raúl Lavista provides a powerful score. Actor Pedro Armendáriz impresses in a relatively minor role and together for the first time are the two undisputed Prima Donnas of Mexican Cinema, earthy Maria Félix and aristocratic Dolores del Rio. Needless to say the press built up a so-called rivalry between the two which did not in reality exist and indeed they became bosom buddies. Both these charismatic performers represent two sides of the same coin for although del Rio's sensuality is less overt than that of her co-star, not for nothing had Orson Welles described her as the most exciting woman he had ever known. She had been pursued for years by Fernández whose advances she rejected which had made their working relationship untenable but here they are, ironically, playing lovers. The personal life of Félix was far from uneventful as she was twice widowed and thrice divorced. She would go on to portray legendary Soldadera Juana Gallo although far too glamorous for the role whilst del Rio confessed she hoped this would be the last movie about the Mexican Revolution she would make.

Although not a classic of its type it is nonetheless visually impressive and features the strong, impassioned performances that for the most part are alas sorely lacking in today's one-dimensional Cinema.

If you like this sort of melodrama then Maria Felix can really give it to you. You might want to gen up about the Mexican Revolution, and if you find it too complex just watch this wonderfully over the top actor and not care. Emma Pennela had it and so did Melina Mercouri, but Felix despite the fact that nuances was not her style steals this wonderful fantasy ( or is it crazy reality ? ) of how powerful women can fight and win a revolution. The males strut around, and the women give in to them, but fight back when they need to. It was ' X ' certificated in the UK which is incredible given that it was released there in 1960. The fighting is full force, but nothing to disturb, and the sexuality is erotic ( a shot of a naked back and rolling around with clothes on ) not exactly worthy of such a high certificate. Hard to find, but look for it as it is deliriously worthwhile, even if the colour is brash and the filming a bit rough. It is quite simply fun.

Quite a good war drama but the love triangle was somewhat weak and its not as ironic or funny as it could have been. Straightfoward, with good performances (specially by Maria Felix) but not an overall great work as one would expect from an Ismael Rodriguez film with such an astounding cast. Very strong ending too.