El Extra (1962) Reviews

Mexico's top comic Cantinflas tackles the world of filmmaking in this satire by director Miguel M. Delgado, who often worked with the comic. Rather than playing an "extra" in the usual sense of the word, Cantinflas is a man who hangs around the studios and helps anyone who needs his advice while at the same time envisioning his own versions of how certain scenes should be shot. Both angles provide ample opportunities for very witty, subtle barbs at the foibles of the industry. When a young, aspiring actress gets help and acting lessons from the "extra" occasional sly remarks sock it to the world of filmmaking. And when the "extra" imagines scenes -- such as one during the French Revolution or an episode from Camille -- Cantinflas himself appears properly suited out and disguised, and wreaking the usual havoc. This is a highly entertaining Cantinflas comedy. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi