Luis Manuel Pelayo Movies
- 1989
A wealthy industrial family tries to overcome the death of their patriarch in this social melodrama. The eldest son inherits the reigns of the factory but is undermined by his younger brother. The sibling rivalry escalates into kidnapping and blackmail as the residents of town protest against ecological contamination. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alejandro Parodi, Enrique Hernandez, (more)
Juan Benegas (Vincete Fernandez) and his brother Pablo (Andres Garcia) return home for the funeral of their domineering mother in this comedy. Along with their father Pedro (Lalo Gonzalez), the brothers declare themselves free of restrictions and vow to have a good time. The three go to town where they pretend to be strangers to fleece the locals in a card game. Their winnings attract the attention of Rossy (Olivia Collins), a pretty bank robber who covets the cash and not the crooks. Soon father and sons are falling all over themselves for the woman, and the camaraderie is crushed. A mariachi band accompanies Fernandez on several ranchero songs. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vicente Fernandez, Andrés García, (more)
Monica (Isela Vega) is a showgirl who is kidnapped by her uncle who heads the Texas mob in this routine comedy. A trio of drunks from Mexico City sneak across the border to rescue Monica, who is being held because she know too much about her uncle's activities. Rafael Inclan, Roberto (Flaco) Guzman, and Polo Ortin play the comic trio who fool the mob and inept immigration officials. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Isela Vega, Rafael Inclán, (more)
- 1969
This situation comedy finds a court-appointed attorney representing the poor and downtrodden of Mexico City against the Establishment. Justo (Cantinflas) is the dedicated lawyer who encounters a diverse and hilarious clientele. With the help of his secretary Angelica (Lupita Ferrer), in court and in bed, he fights for the rights of the underprivileged against the elite. Justo also falls for a pretty chorus girl (Susana Salvat) who is more than willing to express her amorous appreciation to her defender. This is an excellent comedy vehicle for Cantinflas, an adored comedian in the Spanish-speaking world. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cantinflas, Lupita Ferrer, (more)
- 1961
One of a series of Red Riding Hood children's fantasies starring María Gracia in the title role, this particular entry by Roberto Rodriguéz also features the three animals that keep her company. There is the tough-guy wolf ("El Loco" Valdez), the crafty fox ("Dwarf" Santanon), and Duce, the dog. The light story is enlivened by the exploits and shenanigans of the animal characters, while Little Red Riding Hood functions to tie everything together into a coherent whole. The English version of the film was released in the U.S. in 1964. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Maria Gracia, Santanon, (more)
Based on the French fairy tale of Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault, director and screenwriter Roberto Rodríguez (of the long-established cinematic trio of Rodríguez brothers) has changed the setting here to 18th-century Mexico. His adaptation is based on the stage play by Sergio Magana-Esquival. Rodríguez emphasizes all the most active and adventurous aspects of the original tale, including the endangered castle, the Princess in distress, and the threats of the villainous ogre (Armando Gutierrez). The cat with the magic pair of boots is played by Santanon. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
A delivery man sets himself up for a case of mistaken identity in this musical comedy. Victor (Pedro Infante) is an actor whose former friendship with a notorious thief comes back to haunt him when the robber threatens to reveal ugly secrets about Victor's past. Victor decides to contact the police about the extortion attempt, but someone kills Victor while he's speaking with the authorities. The police persuade Raul (also played by Infante), the driver of a bread truck who bears a striking resemblance to Victor, to pose as the murdered thespian as they try to track down the killers. Raul soon finds himself dealing with Victor's unsavory acquaintances, as well as a beautiful woman who had fallen victim to one of his schemes. Escuela de Rateros proved to be the last film featuring the popular Mexican actor and singer Pedro Infante; he died in the crash of an airplane within a year of its release. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
