Fernando Fernán Gómez Movies
Popular Spanish actor and director Fernando Fernán Gómez was born in Lima, Peru, while his mother, noted stage actress Carola Fernán Gómez, was on a South American tour. Since the birth was registered in Argentina, Fernán Gómez considered himself an Argentine citizen. He moved to Spain in 1924 and though he began acting on-stage in 1938, he didn't garner much notice until 1940. In 1943, Fernán Gómez entered films as an actor in Cristina Guzmán (1943) and went on to specialize in fast-paced comedies, though he would occasionally essay dramatic works such as Carlos Saura's Ana y los Lobos/Anna and the Wolves (1972) and Victor Erice's El Espiritu de la Colmena/The Spirit of the Beehive (1973). Fernán Gómez made his directorial debut with Manicomio/Asylum (1952), which he co-directed with Luis M. Delgado. In addition to feature films, Fernán Gómez has also acted and directed in the theater. In 1980, he was honored with a National Cinema Award. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1951
After the success of the political satire Bienvenido Mister Marshall (co-written by Juan Antonio Bardem, uncle of actor Javier Bardem, and Luis García Berlanga), That Happy Couple -- written and directed by Bardem and Berlanga in 1951, and starring the legendary Spanish actor/director Fernando Fernán Gómez -- was released in Spain in 1953. Gómez stars as Juan, who struggles to make a living working as a technician at the local film studio and is always on the lookout for some moneymaking scheme. He has a bunch of correspondence school diplomas on his wall, but he still can't fix his radio. His wife, Carmen (Elvira Quintillá), meanwhile, is obsessed with contests and sweepstakes, for example buying more soap than the pair will ever need in hopes of winning some prize. A shady character working in the local theater convinces Juan to "borrow" some film from the studio and invest his money and equipment in a photography business. Juan loses his job, and then learns that his business partner has run off. The tension that has been simmering between him and Carmen, rooted in their financial woes, reaches a boil. Just then, a gentleman enters their apartment with important news. Carmen has won a contest sponsored by a soap company, and she and Juan have been selected as "That Happy Couple," and are expected to spend the day visiting fancy shops and restaurants in Madrid, and promoting Florit Soap. Juan impulsively decides to use the Florit car to track down his shady partner, but when he joins Carmen later, they find that the high life is not all it's cracked up to be. That Happy Couple was shown at the Walter Reade Theater as part of a tribute to Gómez during the Film Society of Lincoln Center's 2004 edition of Spanish Cinema Now. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 1950
This Argentine drama (the title translates as Captain Poison) is a rare dramatic vehicle for popular Latin American comedian Luis Sandrini. The star plays an ill-tempered 19th-century military officer who is wounded in battle. Taking refuge in the home of a widow and her two pretty daughters, the officer slowly regains his strength. He also falls in love with one of the daughters, whose sweetness gradually wins out over his irascibility. Based on a well-known story, Capitan Veneno is a bit too leisurely for so familiar a property. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1950
"Balarrasa," or "Scapegrace," is the nickname bestowed upon a reckless Spanish Civil War officer Fernando Fernan Gomez. Hoping to change his prodigal ways, the officer enters the priesthood. After seven years, the reformed man returns to his hometown, where he attempts to deflect his family from their profitable black-market activities. Despite its overall piety, Balarrasa has a few irreverent comic moments, mostly suppled by Marnalo Moran. The film also includes such box-office-savvy attractions as a nightclub sequence and an extended episode at a sports arena. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fernando Fernán Gómez
- 1948
The title of this naturalistic Spanish drama translates to The Harvest is Plentiful. Fernando Fernan-Gomez stars as Catholic missionary Father Santiago. Dispatched to the Madras region of India, Fr. Santiago courageously spreads the word to the natives. When not battling local superstition or inclement weather, Santiago carries on a friendly rivalry with a local Protestant minister. The winner of the Superior Council of Missions' Prize, La Mies es Mucha was given a limited distribution to Latino communities in the U.S., as much due to its subject matter as to the presence in the cast of popular Spanish actress/singer Sari Montiel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1946
Though made in Argentina, the setting and subject matter of Embrujo (Bewitched) is distinctly Brazilian. The story takes place during the reign of Brazil's first emperor, Pedro I. After proclaiming his country's independence from Portugal, Pedro (played by Jorge Rigaud) concentrates on a different brand of domestic affairs when he throws over his empress wife in favor of the alluring Domitila de Castro (Alicia Barrie). Upon the death of his wife, Pedro proposes marriage to Domitila, but she refuses, placing the honor and integrity of her country above her own desires. It is perhaps not surprising that Embrujo ran into censorship problems when it was released in Brazil. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
