Review of Viva Villa! (1934) by Brian H — 01 Dec 2008

The main reason to see the film is to see the always fascinating Wallace Beery. It's the epic history of Pancho Villa, from his childhood when his father is killed to his life as a bandit to his friendship with an American newspaper man to his partnership with Mexican leader Francisco Madero.

The film plays sort of like a history lesson with way too many titles to fill in the historical background. It grew a bit tiresome and I lost interest early on. But I still enjoyed Beery's lovable, gruff Villa and the excitement from the chanting of "La Cucaracha" and his signature "Shut up!" response.

I'd only recommend this for Beery or for someone who is very interested in Mxican history.