In 1939 Europe, Canada and the US were becoming increasingly involved in World War II. Resources were being funneled away from non-essential services towards the military and manufacturing. One such industry severely affected was film and television industry production. It was at this point that Mexican cinema began to experience more popularity. The US did not have the materials to make film, but Mexico was able to come up with other sources and began the production of good quality films.
In 1942 German forces destroyed several oil tankers on their way to North America, and it was at this point that Mexico joined the allies in their fight against Germany. For this reason Mexico was given Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, positioning the country in a much better place for world trade. Gaining MFN status also meant Mexican film was more widely viewed. Additionally, what films were being made at the time were coming out of countries deeply involved in the war and therefore focused on propaganda and war themes. That meant of course the Mexican films with stories of urban comedy, music, romance and normal life untouched by war, were met with appreciation.
Jorge Negrete was the first great Mexican film star of the Golden Age. He began his career as a ranchero singer, singing for radio and at local venues. His films during this era were musical comedy in nature and highly regarded. Along with Pedro Infante and Javier Solis, the three gentlemen were idolized by the Mexican people and referred to as the Three Mexican Roosters. Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante in particular were the two biggest stars of the era, much like Brad Pitt and George Clooney are today. However it was Pedro Infante that was always known as The Idol of the People.
After major success in American film during the 1920's and 1930's, Dolores del Rio returned to her native Mexico to represent the women of her nation in film. After starring in Flor Silvestre in 1942, she became the most famous film star in Mexico and coincidentally filming in Spanish for the first time. Maria Felix was another icon of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Considered the 'vamp' of Mexican film, she chose roles of peasants as opposed to socialites, but her role as Dona Barbera in a film by the same name earned her the nickname La Dona.
In part two of this series we will take a brief look at the most important films of this era. These are the films worth downloading and watching on a Friday night with a big tub of popcorn. Let yourself become wrapped up in the overly dramatized spectacle of Spanish themes, slapstick comedy and stunning music.
In 1942 German forces destroyed several oil tankers on their way to North America, and it was at this point that Mexico joined the allies in their fight against Germany. For this reason Mexico was given Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, positioning the country in a much better place for world trade. Gaining MFN status also meant Mexican film was more widely viewed. Additionally, what films were being made at the time were coming out of countries deeply involved in the war and therefore focused on propaganda and war themes. That meant of course the Mexican films with stories of urban comedy, music, romance and normal life untouched by war, were met with appreciation.
Jorge Negrete was the first great Mexican film star of the Golden Age. He began his career as a ranchero singer, singing for radio and at local venues. His films during this era were musical comedy in nature and highly regarded. Along with Pedro Infante and Javier Solis, the three gentlemen were idolized by the Mexican people and referred to as the Three Mexican Roosters. Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante in particular were the two biggest stars of the era, much like Brad Pitt and George Clooney are today. However it was Pedro Infante that was always known as The Idol of the People.
After major success in American film during the 1920's and 1930's, Dolores del Rio returned to her native Mexico to represent the women of her nation in film. After starring in Flor Silvestre in 1942, she became the most famous film star in Mexico and coincidentally filming in Spanish for the first time. Maria Felix was another icon of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Considered the 'vamp' of Mexican film, she chose roles of peasants as opposed to socialites, but her role as Dona Barbera in a film by the same name earned her the nickname La Dona.
In part two of this series we will take a brief look at the most important films of this era. These are the films worth downloading and watching on a Friday night with a big tub of popcorn. Let yourself become wrapped up in the overly dramatized spectacle of Spanish themes, slapstick comedy and stunning music.
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