Hispanic Heritage Month: Mexican Cinema on TheArchive

As we observe National Hispanic Heritage month through October 15th, TheArchive curated a list of classic 50s and 60s Mexican cinema to watch throughout the coming weeks.

Hispanic Heritage month (which started as a week) began in 1968 years after these films released. It kicks off every September 15th, which marks the the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates on September 16th.

To that end, let's celebrate this important time by spotlighting some brilliant films from some of Mexico's great filmmakers. We start with the legendary Oscar nominated Luis Buñuel.

In the classic film Una Mujer Sin Amor (1952) from famed director Luis Buñuel, when a woman sacrifices her own happiness for her family, she creates a rift that will only come to pass years later. It is based on Guy de Maupassant's story "Pierre et Jean." The film is an indictment on bourgeois values and Buñuel himself, later in life facing those same critiques, consider this film to have been a personal let down. We ask the audience to decide.

In Tú y La Mentira (1958), a musical comedy from director René Cardona, finds two men sharing artistic ambitions who end up traveling different paths in order to fulfill their dreams.

In Estoy Casado, Ja Ja (1962), Ana Maria and Marcelo meet on a cruise ship and plan to get married on the spot. However, the wedding is postponed under the contingency that the two should get to know more about one another.

Bailando Cha Cha Cha (1957) tells the story of a successful designer who announces he will leave his company to his employees--if they can increase sales. A rivalry begins between the workers and his greedy nieces who want the company for themselves.

In 1954's La Bruja, a scientist avenges his daughter's murder and develops a formula that turns an ugly woman into a spectacular beauty. He uses her to take revenge on those responsible for his daughter's murder.

In the thriller La Duda (1954), Rosana loves her husband, Dr. Emilio, but his daughter does not accept her stepmother and tells her father that she has a lover. 

Carcel De Mujeres (1951) features the beautiful and wealthy Evangelina imprisoned for the murder of her lover. Though she claims innocence, she must live within the confines of the women's prison.

Stream these Mexican films and many more honoring Hispanic Heritage Month now on TheArchive.

           

     

TheArchive channel is dedicated to aficionados and lovers of story, craft, and silver screen fun – streaming rare, retro, and 4K restored films and classic TV. From indies and series, to Oscar winning documentaries, unearthed MOWs, and a killer horror library, TheArchive delivers forgotten, never-before-seen gems for free. Marilyn, Karloff, and Orson Welles stream alongside Reese, Keanu, and Samuel L. Jackson. Find true stories of Queen, Hendrix, and Sinatra, an LGBTQ library, MLK bios, and world history docs. TheArchive has the movies and shows you either saw, should’ve seen, or should be watching now!