Similar in theme to the Austin Film Society Essential Cinema series “Three Actresses in Europe” (spring 2006), this new series will look at examples of films featuring Dolores del Río, Lupe Vélez, and Katy Jurado, three Mexican actresses who worked successfully in the film industries of Mexico and Hollywood. In fact, del Río and Vélez actually started their careers in the US during the silent era. The former returned to her homeland in the 1940s and created a memorable mid-life career in very different films than those of her youth in Hollywood. Vélez, on the other hand, made only two films in Mexico – the last one right before her lovesick suicide. Katy Jurado succeeded in moving back and forth between the US and Mexico in a film career that spanned nearly six decades, starting in 1943. Besides being quite talented performers, each woman embodied particular characteristics, at least early in their film appearances: Dolores del Río as a beautiful, aristocratic “lady,” Lupe Vélez as a hyperactive bundle of energy and joie de vivre, and Katy Jurado as an earthy, sexual woman straight out of a Diego Rivera mural. They were always fascinating to watch and contemplate even when Hollywood tried to push them into stereotypical “Latin” roles. Comparing their Mexican and American roles should provoke some interesting thoughts about ethnic and gender role stereotypes and how these three women shattered them.
-- Chale Nafus, Director of Programming, Austin Film Society
Producer/director Edwin Carewe, the man who invited Dolores del Río to Hollywood, created a perfect project for her as “Evangeline” in this beautifully photographed film based on Longfellow’s beloved, tragic poem about loss of love and home. » read more
In the lush sub-tropical setting of the ancient Mayan ceremonial center Chichén Itzá, Deseada is preparing her younger sister Nicté for betrothal to Manuel, nephew of the wealthy Don Lorenzo.
The Gaucho’s gang of outlaws pillage the countryside of Argentina and then ride into a mountain village where they drink, dance, raise hell, and bed willing women. » read more
Even in this classic Western primarily focused on the rivalries and grudges between a sheriff and a gunslinger, Katy Jurado, as Helen Ramírez, exudes a powerful presence throughout the film.
