Golden Age of Mexican Cinema

Tito Guízar

Esther Fernández

Protagonists of Allá en el Rancho Grande (1936), film considered to be the first of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.

The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema (Spanish: Época de Oro del Cine Mexicano) is considered to have spanned from 1936 to 1969 and was marked by the production of high-quality films that shaped Mexican national identity and culture. Films such as Los Olvidados by Luis Buñuel explored Mexico's social realities and left a lasting impact on audiences, both domestically, and internationally.

During World War II, film industries in the US and Europe declined due to material shortages, as resources like cellulose were redirected to support the arms industry. This shift created an opportunity for Mexico to expand is commercial film production for Mexican and Latin American markets. The era fostered the rise of influential directors such as Emilio Fernández and Luis Buñuel, while elevating actors like María Félix, Pedro Infante, and Dolores del Río to international fame.

The period also played a role in introducing Norteño music to Chilean popular culture.

Origins

The onset of World War II in 1939 severely disrupted the European and American film industries, as essential materials for film production was subject to rations and became scarce. In 1942, after German submarines destroyed a Mexican tanker, Mexico joined the Allies, gaining "most favored nation" status. This allowed the country to secure access to film production materials and expand its influence in the global market.

While other nations focused on war propaganda films, the Mexican film industry thrived by exploring a wider range of storytelling themes, eventually dominating cinema across Mexico and Latin America.

Lupita Tovar and Donald Reed in Santa (1932)

Since the beginning of talkies in Mexico, films such as Santa (1932), directed by Antonio Moreno and The Woman of the Port (1934), directed by Arcady Boytler, were huge blockbusters that showed that Mexico had the equipment and talent needed to sustain a strong film industry.

One of the first blockbusters was the film Allá en el Rancho Grande by Fernando de Fuentes, which became the first classic of Mexican cinema. This film is referred to as the initiator of the "Mexican film industry." The emergence of great Mexican film studios located in Mexico City began in the early 1940s, and they began to support the mass production of films. Among the most important ones are CLASA Films, FILMEX, Films Mundiales, Cinematográfica Calderón, Películas Rodriguez, and Producciones Mier y Brooks.

Mexican cinema continued to produce works of superb quality and began to explore other genres such as comedy, romance, and musical. In 1943, the film Wild Flower brought together a team comprising the filmmaker Emilio Fernández, photographer Gabriel Figueroa, actor Pedro Armendariz, and actress Dolores del Río. The films María Candelaria (1943) and The Pearl (1947) were considered pivotal works by Fernández and his team, and gave Mexican cinema enormous prestige, with their works being shown worldwide in major film festivals. In 1946, María Candelaria was awarded the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. The Pearl was the first Spanish-language film to be awarded a Golden Globe.

The Soldiers of Pancho Villa brought Dolores del Río and her alleged rival María Félix together in one film. María Félix, who was celebrated for her fierce independence and commanding presence, rose to fame as an iconic actress during Mexican cinema's Golden Age. Often portraying strong and enigmatic characters, Félix captivated audiences with performances in classics such as Doña Bárbara (1943) and Enamorada (1946). Her acting career spanned 47 films, which were made in Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, and Argentina.

In contrast, Dolores del Río gained prominence as one of the first Mexican actresses to achieve success in Hollywood during the early 20th century. Another pivotal film in her Mexican career is Las Abandonadas (1944), a melodrama that showcased her talent for portraying complex emotions with grace and sensitivity.

Other notable films of this era include:

• Nosotros los pobres (1948) directed by Ismael Rodríguez and starring Pedro Infante, a classic of Mexican cinema known for its emotional storyline and iconic performances.
• Él (1953) directed by Luis Buñuel and starring Arturo de Córdova, a psychological drama that explores themes of obsession and jealousy with Buñuel's trademark surrealist style.
• La Otra (1946) directed by Roberto Gavaldón and starring Dolores del Río, a psychological thriller about twin sisters and their complicated relationship. Showcasing Gavaldón's mastery of melodrama, this film was later remade in Hollywood as Dead Ringer starring Bette Davis.
• Tizoc directed by Ismael Rodríguez and starring Pedro Infante and María Félix. This significant Mexican film is renowned for its poignant depiction of indigenous culture and its exploration of love, identity, and societal prejudice.

Cinematographic genres

Comedy

Main article: Comedy in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema

Manuel Medel (right) with Cantinflas (left) during the late 1930s. The two collaborated on several films.

Comedy was a defining element of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, drawing heavily on the traditions of the Carpas (tent theaters) that were popular in the early 20th century. These theaters served as a training ground for many comedians, fostering slapstick humor and a connection to working-class audiences. Comedy films of the era often blended humor with social commentary, musical elements, and relatable themes.

One of the most iconic figures of this period was Cantinflas (Mario Moreno), whose fast-talking, witty persona became synonymous with Mexican comedy. His breakthrough role in Ahí está el detalle (1940) established him as a leading comedic actor. The film, co-starring Joaquín Pardavé, Sara García, and Sofía Álvarez, was recognized for its sharp humor and remains a landmark in Latin American cinema. Cantinflas's ability to combine humor with social and political themes was evident in films like El Analfabeto (1961) and El Padrecito (1964).

Germán Valdés "Tin-Tan" was another prominent comedian who brought a unique style to Mexican cinema. Known for his improvisational skills and charismatic blend of humor, music, and dance, Tin-Tan gained fame with films such as El Rey del Barrio (1949) and El Ceniciento (1951). His performances often showcased urban characters and musical elements, resonating with a wide audience.

Antonio Espino y Mora ("Clavillazo") emerged from the Carpas tradition with a comedic style that earned him widespread popularity. He appeared in over 30 films, including Pura Vida (1956), which helped popularize the phrase "pura vida" in Costa Rica. Another Carpas alum, Adalberto Martínez "Resortes," became known for his dynamic dance style and comedic energy, with a career spanning over seven decades.

The comedic duo Gaspar Henaine and Marco Antonio Campos, known as "Viruta and Capulina," brought lighthearted humor to the screen, starring in over 25 films together. Similarly, Manuel Palacios "Manolín" and Estanislao Shilinsky Bachanska were celebrated for their on-screen chemistry, contributing to the comedy genre during the Golden Age.

Joaquín Pardavé, a versatile actor, director, and composer, also played a significant role in shaping Mexican comedy. His performance in ¡Ay, qué tiempos, señor don Simón! (1941) exemplifies his ability to blend humor with dramatic elements. Other notable films of the era include Los tres García (1946), directed by Ismael Rodríguez, which explored family dynamics with comedic undertones, and Primero soy mexicano (1950), celebrated for its portrayal of Mexican culture.

These comedians and their films left a lasting impact on Mexican and Latin American cinema, solidifying the Golden Age as a pivotal period in the evolution of comedy.

Musical

Luis Aguilar with María Elena Marqués in 1955

Pedro Infante (circa 1950s)

Known for their vibrant music, dance sequences, and melodramatic storytelling, Mexican musicals often incorporated elements of traditional Mexican folk music, such as rancheras and mariachi, alongside influences from European operetta and Hollywood musicals. Actors and singers such as Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, and María Félix became synonymous with the genre, captivating audiences with their performances. Other actors, such as Luis Aguilar and Antonio Aguilar, made dozens of musical films that served as a platform to promote Mexican music. The songs of important composers like Agustín Lara or José Alfredo Jiménez served as the basis for the arguments of many films. Libertad Lamarque also highlighted performances where music and songs were the main protagonists. Mexican musicals enjoyed international success, particularly in Latin America and Spanish-speaking communities worldwide, due to their universal themes and musical numbers. Allá en el Rancho Grande (1936) directed by Fernando de Fuentes, is considered the earliest and most influential Mexican musical, a soundtrack that popularized ranchera music.

¡Ay Jalisco, no te rajes! (1941) directed by Joselito Rodríguez, stars Jorge Negrete and Gloria Marín. The film showcases Negrete's powerful singing voice and became one of the defining films of his career. A Toda Máquina (1951) directed by Ismael Rodríguez, a comedy musical stars Pedro Infante and features lively musical numbers. Dos tipos de cuidado (1953) directed by Ismael Rodríguez, stars Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. This film is a beloved classic of Mexican cinema, combining comedy and drama in a story of friendship and rivalry. Lastly, Here Comes Martin Corona stars Sara Montiel as Rosario Medina, a young heiress who has arrived from Spain to claim an inheritance. Corona is a ladies' man who uses his good looks, romantic songs, and legendary status to melt the hearts of women, but his carefree lifestyle is turned upside down when he falls in love with the heiress.

Rumberas films

See also: Rumberas film

A feature of rumberas cinema were the exotic dances performed by women. In the image, Evangelina Elizondo performing at the Tropicana cabaret 1950.

Tropical music that was popular in Mexico and Latin America since the 1930s was also reflected in Mexican cinema. Numerous music magazines were made in the 1940s and 1950s. In these productions it was common to see figures such as Damaso Perez Prado, Toña la Negra, Rita Montaner, María Victoria or Los Panchos. However, the musical film in Mexico was mostly represented by the so-called Rumberas film, a unique cinematic curiosity of Mexico, dedicated to the exaltation of the figure of the "rumba" (dancers of Afro-Antillean rhythms). The main figures of this genre were Cubans María Antonieta Pons, Amalia Aguilar, Ninón Sevilla and Rosa Carmina and Mexican Meche Barba. Between 1938 and 1965, more than one hundred Rumberas films were made. The genre emerged as a response to the post-World War II entertainment demands. These films typically featured female protagonists known as "rumberas," who were glamorous and often portrayed as dancers or singers in cabarets or nightclubs. Key elements of rumberas films included lavish musical numbers, elaborate costumes, and melodramatic plots that often centered around the rumbera's rise from poverty to fame or her struggles in relationships. The popularity of rumberas films declined by the late 1950s as Mexican cinema diversified, but they remain a significant part of the country's cinematic history. Aventurera a 1950 Mexican drama film directed by Alberto Gout and starring Ninón Sevilla and Andrea Palma. It's considered a masterpiece of the Rumberas film. Salón México and Víctimas del Pecado marked a significant evolution in Fernández's directorial approach, focusing more on urban settings and themes that resonated with the emerging popularity of rumbera films. These films represented a departure from Fernández's earlier nationalistic and rural narratives, delving into urban concerns and narratives that aligned with evolving audience tastes and cinematic trends of the era.

Film noir

Marquee listing Maria Félix's film, La mujer de todos, at Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen in Amsterdam at the City Theater in March 1948

In Mexico, the film noir genre popular in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s was represented by the actor and director Juan Orol. Inspired by popular Gangster films and figures such as Humphrey Bogart and Edward G. Robinson, Orol created a filmic universe and a particular style by mixing elements of classic film noir with Mexican folklore, urban environments, moral ambiguity, and existential crises. Examples include the classic film Gangsters Versus Cowboys (1948) and notable examples include Emilio Fernández's En la palma de tu mano (1951), which blends noir aesthetics with Mexican melodrama, and Roberto Gavaldón's La noche avanza (1952), known for its atmospheric cinematography and exploration of corruption.

Horror films

Although the 1960s are considered the Golden Age of Horror and science fiction in Mexican cinema, during the Golden Age there were some remarkable works. El fantasma del convento (1934) directed by Fernando de Fuentes, this early Mexican horror film is set in a haunted convent and is considered one of the earliest examples of Mexican horror cinema. La Llorona (1933) Directed by Ramón Peón, this film draws from the Mexican legend of La Llorona (the Weeping Woman), a ghostly figure said to roam rivers mourning her lost children. El Vampiro (1957) directed by Fernando Méndez, this film marks the revival of Mexican horror in the mid-1950s and features a vampire who terrorizes a Mexican town. Chano Urueta greatest contributions come with The Magnificent Beast (1952), the film that first introduced wrestlers to the genre. Other works in the genre include La Bruja (1954), and Ladrón de Cadáveres (1956). El Castillo de los Monstruos (1958), directed by Julián Soler, is also comedic horror films of the 1950s that parodies classic horror tropes while incorporating Mexican cultural elements.

Decline

Cine Ópera was one of the most important movie theaters during the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema from its inauguration in 1949 until its closure in 1998. This photograph, taken in 2020, shows its weathered façade.

On April 15, 1957, the whole country mourned with the news of the death of Pedro Infante. His death was one of the markers of the end of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.

The first Mexican television transmissions started in 1950. By 1956, TV antennas were common in Mexican homes, and new media grew rapidly in the country outside the capital city. Despite the first black and white television pictures not having the clarity and sharpness of movie films, filmmakers immediately felt sharp competition from this new media, not only in Mexico but throughout the world. The competition forced the film industry to seek new ways to showcase its art, and in the treatment of subjects and genres.

Technical innovations came from Hollywood. Wide screens, three-dimensional cinema, color improvement and stereo sound were some of the innovations introduced by American cinema during the early 1950s. At the time, the high cost of these technologies made it difficult for Mexico to compete; therefore, not for some years was it able to produce films incorporating these innovations.

One of the nations where Mexican cinema was most popular was Yugoslavia, where for much of the 1950s, Mexican films comprised the majority of the films that were screened. The 1950 film Un día de vida, which premiered in 1952 in Yugoslavia, was one of the most popular films of the decade in that nation. The popularity of Mexican films led to the so-called Yu-Mex craze, as Mexican music and fashions were much imitated in Yugoslavia in the 1950s.

The world was changing and so was the way film was produced by other countries. The elimination of censorship in the United States allowed a more bold and realistic treatment of many topics. In France, a young generation of filmmakers educated in film criticism began the New Wave movement. In Italy, the Neorealism had claimed the careers of several filmmakers. The Swedish film with Ingmar Bergman made its appearance, while in Japan Akira Kurosawa appeared.

Meanwhile, Mexican cinema had been stalled by bureaucracy and difficulties with the union. Film production was now concentrated in a few hands, and the ability to see new filmmakers emerge was very difficult due to the demands on the directors on the part of the Union of Workers of Cinematographic Production (STPC). Three of the most important film studios disappeared between 1957 and 1958: Tepeyac, Clasa Films and Azteca.

Also in 1958, the Mexican Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to discontinue the Ariel Award recognizing the best productions of the national cinema. The Ariel was instituted in 1946 and emphasized the thriving state of the industry. Nevertheless, the award was revived in 1972 and has taken place annually since then.

Studios

• Estudios Churubusco
• Televisa San Ángel

See also

• Golden Age of Argentine cinema
• Latin American cinema

Further reading

• GARCÍA RIERA, Emilio (1986) Época de oro del cine mexicano Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) ISBN 968-29-0941-4
• GARCÍA RIERA, Emilio (1992–97) Historia documental del cine mexicano Universidad de Guadalajara, Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (CONACULTA), Secretaría de Cultura del Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco y el Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía (IMCINE) ISBN 968-895-343-1
• GARCÍA, Gustavo y AVIÑA, Rafael (1993) Época de oro del cine mexicano ed. Clío ISBN 968-6932-68-2
• PARANAGUÁ, Paulo Antonio (1995) Mexican Cinema British Film Institute (BFI) Publishing en asociación con el Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía (IMCINE) y el Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (CONACULTA) ISBN 0-85170-515-4
• HERSHFIELD, Joanne (1996) Mexican Cinema, Mexican Woman (1940–1950) University of Arizona Press ISBN 0-8165-1636-7
• DÁVALOS OROZCO, Federico (1996). Albores del Cine Mexicano (Beginning of the Mexican Cinema). Clío. ISBN 968-6932-45-3.
• AYALA BLANCO, Jorge (1997) La aventura del cine mexicano: En la época de oro y después ed. Grijalba ISBN 970-05-0376-3
• MACIEL, David R. Mexico's Cinema: A Century of Film and Filmmakers, Wilmington, Delaware: SR Books, 1999. ISBN 0-8420-2682-7
• Mckee Irwin, Robert (Spring 2010). "Mexican Golden Age Cinema in Tito's Yugoslavia". The Global South. Vol. 4, no. 1. pp. 151–160.
• AGRASÁNCHEZ JR., Rogelio (2001). Bellezas del cine mexicano/Beauties of Mexican Cinema. Archivo Fílmico Agrasánchez. ISBN 968-5077-11-8.
• MORA, Carl J. Mexican Cinema: Reflections of a Society, 1896–2004, Berkeley: University of California Press, 3rd edition 2005. ISBN 0-7864-2083-9
• NOBLE, Andrea, Mexican National Cinema, Taylor & Francis, 2005, ISBN 0-415-23010-1
• AGRASÁNCHEZ JR.., Rogelio (2006). Mexican Movies in the United States. McFarland & Company Inc. ISBN 0-7864-2545-8.
• Paxman, Andrew. "Who Killed the Mexican Film Industry? The Decline of the Golden Age, 1946-1960." Estudios Interdisciplinarios de América Latina y el Caribe 29, no. 1 (2018): 9-33.

External links

• More of 100 Years of Mexican Cinema on the ITESM website (in Spanish)
• Cineteca Nacional del Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes de México (Conaculta) (in Spanish)