Arturo de Córdova, the tortured embodiment of Mexico’s urban modernism, meets Pedro Armendáriz, the heroic representative of Mexico’s romanticized rural feudalism, in this rich melodrama centered directly on the structuring contradiction of Gavaldón’s work. A medical researcher from Mexico City becomes emotionally involved with the people of the small village he is visiting for his work—and more particularly with Soledad (Stella Inda of Los Olvidados), an Indigenous woman who becomes his nurse. The film was Gavaldón’s first collaboration with Mexico’s internationally influential cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa. 

Prior to the screening, enjoy a music playlist of boleros and rancheras ranging from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to contemporary sounds, curated by Joel Jerome.

This screening is part of the first of three film series that celebrate Mexican cinema and is presented with the generous support of Televisa Foundation-Univision.

Director: Roberto Gavaldón. Cast: Arturo de Córdova, Pedro Armendáriz, Stella Inda. 1952. 108 min. Mexico. B&W. Spanish. DCP. Cineteca Nacional México, Laboratorio de Restauración Digital Elena Sánchez Valenzuela. Screening courtesy of Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Producción Cinematográfica.

All film screenings of Roberto Gavaldón are available here.