If you have to see one American biopic of a Mexican revolutionary with the word "Viva" in the title, then make it "Viva Zapata" and not this loud, stupid movie featuring loud, stupid Wally Beery at his loudest and stupidest. The guy's performance is literally headache inducing and after about the thirtieth "shut up!" I found myself saying that to the screen. There are some arresting images courtesy of co DP's James Wong Howe and Charles Clarke, especially the battle scenes and the scene where Fay Wray is once again scared by a gorilla, but in general this thing is one long Hollywood dump on Mexican history and culture. Kind of ironic in light of the Lee Tracy incident, huh? Give it a C.
Review of Viva Villa!
