Ricardo Munoz Suay Movies

Based on interviews with people who figured in the events of the day, this documentary explores the events preceding and during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). The special focus of this documentary is on the events of the time in Cataluna. Among those interviewed are Gil Robles and "La Passionaria." Some prior knowledge of the time and the region would assist in properly appreciating this film. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

This Spanish-produced vampire weirdness was initially released in the U.S. as Saga of Dracula, then retitled Dracula: The Bloodline Continues for its video release. Narciso Ibáñez Menta plays the aging Count, who fears that his spineless male offspring is ill-suited to vampirism and is, therefore, an unworthy heir to the House of Dracula. He turns his attention instead to his pregnant niece, with the intention of transforming the unborn child into a vampire, but his efforts cause the baby to be stillborn. This does not sit well with the niece, who sets out on a campaign of attrition against all vampires -- including just about everyone in her family. All is not lost, however, as the child is not entirely down for the count (no pun intended). This film features some of the flamboyant cheesiness and gothic flair that added a touch of charm to so many Spanish hack monster films of the '70s (e.g. the complete works of Paul Naschy), with some surreal dream sequences and plenty of sex and gore on display. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

After 25 years' exile, Luis Buñuel was invited to his native Spain to direct Viridiana -- only to have the Spanish government suppress the film on the grounds of blasphemy and obscenity. Regarded by many as Buñuel's crowning achievement, the film centers on an idealistic young nun named Viridiana (Silvia Pinal). Just before taking her final vows, Viridiana is forced by her mother superior to visit her wealthy uncle Don Jaime (Fernando Rey), who has "selflessly" provided for the girl over the years. She has always considered Don Jaime an unspeakable beast, so she is surprised when he graciously welcomes her into his home. Just as graciously, he sets about to corrupt Viridiana beyond redemption -- all because the girl resembles his late wife. It is always hard to select the most outrageous scene in any Buñuel film; our candidate in Viridiana is the devastating Last Supper tableau consisting of beggars, thieves, and degenerates. As joltingly brilliant today as on its first release, Viridiana won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The Spanish-Italian swashbuckler stars Ricardo Montalban as a ruthless Arab chieftan. It is Montalban's mission in life to removed the usurping Gino Cervi from his father's throne, and he doesn't care how many throats he has to cut to achieve his goal. Along the way, he falls in love with Cervi's virtuous daughter Carmen Sevilla. It's curious that Los Amantes del Desierto contains so many torrid love scenes, since these were excised by the Spanish and Italian censors long before the film was distributed to the US as Desert Lovers. The most remarkable aspect of the film is that it was lensed on location in Egypt at a time when that country was engaged in a shooting war with several neighboring states. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Bienvenido Mr. Marshall (Welcome Mr. Marshall) is a comedy predicated on the Marshall Plan, which provided American financial aid to deserving European communities. When two Marshall-Plan representatives announce plans to drive through a small Spanish town on the Iberian peninsula, the mayor, in cahoots with a publicity agent, intends to make as good an impression as possible. As a result, all signs of Western culture are hidden, and the town is transformed into a picture-postcard version of Old Iberia. As the townsfolk await the arrival of the Americans, each citizen conjures up visions (mostly inaccurate) of what life might be like in the good old USA. The satirical thrust of Bienvenido Mr. Marshall was misinterpreted as "leftist" by some observers when the film opened at the Cannes Film Festival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi