Initially a movement to overthrow the dictator Porfirio Díaz, by 1913 the Revolution had devolved into a factional civil war, with various leaders vying for power. During this chaotic period, Rosalío Mendoza (Alfredo del Diestro again), a wily, well-to-do rancher, thrives by opportunistically supporting whichever faction appears at his hacienda’s doorstep. When troops loyal to Emiliano Zapata arrive, Mendoza befriends their general, Felipe Nieto (Antonio R. Frausto). They become so close that the Mendozas name their first child after Nieto, and he becomes the boy’s godfather. But what will Mendoza do when a rival faction offers him a huge sum of money to betray Nieto? In a national survey of film critics and historians in 1994, EL COMPADRE MENDOZA was voted the third best Mexican film ever made.

About Fernando de Fuentes’ Revolution Trilogy

Between 1933 and 1936 Fernando de Fuentes, an up-and-coming Mexican filmmaker, directed three films about the nation’s recently-ended revolution (1910-1920). Though narratively unconnected, the three stand-alone films are linked thematically, sharing a clear-eyed view of the bloody struggle for tierra y libertad (land reform and liberty), and constitute an informal trilogy. All three were praised at the time of their release, and are still regarded as among the most important and memorable Mexican films. Responding to popular demand, AFS is proud to present these three classics of Mexico’s Golden Age Cinema. Each screening will be hosted by University of Texas Professor Charles Ramírez Berg, author of the book “The Classical Mexican Cinema: The Poetics of the Exceptional Golden Age Films.”

The Harry Ransom Center presents three Classical Mexican Cinema screenings this November. Learn more >>