Mexican Spitfire (film)
| Mexican Spitfire | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster of the film | |
| Directed by | Leslie Goodwins James Anderson (assistant) |
| Written by | Charles E. Roberts and Joseph Fields |
| Produced by | Cliff Reid |
| Starring | Lupe Vélez Leon Errol Donald Woods |
| Cinematography | Jack MacKenzie |
| Music by | Paul Sawtell |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 67 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $106,000[1] |
| Box office | $102,000[1] |
Mexican Spitfire is a 1940 American comedy film starring Lupe Vélez. She plays a hot-headed, fast-talking Mexican singer taken to New York for a radio gig, who decides she wants the ad agency man for herself. The film was the sequel of the film The Girl from Mexico (1939) and was the first of a film series of seven more films with the same title and main characters.
A sneak preview of the film in December 1939 prompted RKO to order three more in the series.[2]
Plot
Newlyweds Dennis and Carmelita have several obstacles to deal with in their new marriage: Carmelita's fiery Latin temper, a meddling aunt and a conniving ex-fiancee who is determined to break up their marriage.
Cast
- Lupe Vélez as Carmelita Fuentes
- Donald Woods as Dennis 'Denny' Lindsay
- Leon Errol as Uncle Matthew 'Matt' Lindsay
- Elisabeth Risdon as Aunt Della Lindsay
- Linda Hayes as Elizabeth Price
- Cecil Kellaway as Mr. Chummley
- Charles Coleman as Bosby - the Butler
Reception
Variety called it "a neat concoction of comedy situations; running through many old, but still good, Mack Sennett routines in a zippy and zestful unwinding. Even custard pies and mushy pastries are tossed around with abandon for a rousing climax and a roaring reception."[3]
Notes
"First official entry in the series is a retread of The Girl from Mexico, but shifts focus from bland leading man Woods to hilarious Errol in dual role of Uncle Matt and the tipsy Lord Epping."[4] The film was succeeded by another 6 films:
- Mexican Spitfire Out West (1940)[5]
- The Mexican Spitfire's Baby (1941)
- Mexican Spitfire at Sea (1942)
- Mexican Spitfire Sees a Ghost (1942)
- Mexican Spitfire's Elephant (1942)
- Mexican Spitfire's Blessed Event (1943)
References
- ^ a b Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin, The RKO Story. New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House, 1982. p144
- ^ "That Good". Variety. December 6, 1939. p. 3.
- ^ "Mexican Spitfire". Variety. December 13, 1939. p. 11.
- ^ Maltin, Leonard (2015). Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide (3rd ed.). Plume Book. ISBN 978-0-14-751682-4.
- ^ Mexican Spitfire Out West at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films