Rafael Gil Movies

Reactions to this political drama with a rightist slant will depend on the viewer's own politics. Late director Rafael Gil begins with an ingenious premise. A novice reporter mistakes the news that the French franc (franco in Spanish) has resuscitated for the news that dead fascist dictator, Francisco Franco has come back from the grave. Buried for three years now, this is not likely but it sets off a series of extreme reactions in many sectors of society. At the same time there is an old man who just might be the resuscitated dictator hitchhiking away from the cemetery that holds his tomb. As some leaders either run off or air out their fascist uniforms, bombs are exploded in the streets, bank robbers rob with impunity, and a group of villagers thinks that the army on maneuvers in their neighborhood is actually the fascist army returning in glory. Sooner or later, people will realize that Franco is truly dead, though fascism may not be as moribund. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

A priceless cache of blue diamonds cause criminal chaos in this grim action drama that is set in the Mexican jungle. The excitement begins with the robbery of an armored car carrying the valuable gems. Something goes awry and all but one of the thieves die violently. The sole witness to the crime then kills the surviving crook and hides the diamonds in the jungle. Later a gangster captures him and tries to force him to disclose their location. The gangster's moll takes pity on the fellow and helps him escape. The two then make a desperate bid for the border with both the crooks and the Diamond Syndicate Police in hot pursuit. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

This youth-oriented romantic drama is one of several that have been based on the novel by the same name by early 20th century writer Alejandro Perez-Lugin. Director Rafael Gil brings forth a lively, entertaining version of the story about Gerardo (Arturo Fernandez), a young man coming from a turbulent background in Madrid to the city of Santiago de Compostela to enroll in the university. The errant Gerardo goes reluctantly off to study but soon the charms of Compostela and the surrounding countryside, and the excitement of student life win him over. What really turns the tables though, is his interest in Carmina (Ana Esmeralda, an accomplished flamenco dancer). Now Gerardo's problem is a new one -- how can he convince Carmina's parents that he is an acceptable suitor for their daughter? ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi