The Thief (1947 film)

The Thief (Spanish:El ladrón) is a 1947 Mexican comedy film directed by Julio Bracho and starring Luis Sandrini, Domingo Soler and Elsa Aguirre.^[1]

Plácido López (Luis Sandrini) is a kind-hearted but perpetually unlucky man living in 1940s Mexico City, whose life becomes a whirlwind of comedic chaos when a case of mistaken identity sets off a chain of increasingly absurd events. Working as a humble employee, Plácido's honest demeanor and bumbling nature make him an unlikely protagonist in a story that explores the thin line between respectability and disgrace.

The central conflict begins when Plácido encounters Licenciado Marcelo Gómez Sosa (Domingo Soler), a distinguished and wealthy lawyer who represents everything Plácido aspires to be—successful, respected, and socially prominent. Through a series of misunderstandings and coincidences, Plácido finds himself wrongly suspected of theft, a accusation that threatens to destroy his reputation and livelihood. Despite his innocence, the evidence seems to mount against him, creating a comedic nightmare where his every attempt to clear his name only makes matters worse.

Rosa (Elsa Aguirre), a beautiful young woman caught between different social worlds, becomes romantically involved with Plácido just as his troubles reach their peak. Her presence adds both hope and complication to his situation, as their budding relationship must navigate the scandal surrounding his alleged criminal activities. Rosa's faith in Plácido's innocence becomes a driving force in the narrative, even as those around them question her judgment.

The supporting characters create a rich tapestry of Mexican society in the 1940s. Señora Gómez (Consuelo Guerrero de Luna), the lawyer's wife, represents the judgmental upper class who are quick to condemn those beneath their social station. The orphanage director (Dolores Tinoco) embodies institutional authority, while characters like the night watchman Viejito velador (Manuel Noriega) and the incinerator employee Nuñez (Humberto Rodríguez) represent the working class that Plácido belongs to—people whose testimonies carry little weight against the word of their social superiors.

As the plot unfolds, Plácido must navigate a labyrinth of bureaucracy, social prejudice, and legal complications while maintaining his dignity and moral compass. His journey takes him through various locations—from respectable middle-class homes to institutional settings—each representing different aspects of Mexican society and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens when confronted with accusations from those in power.

• Luis Sandrini as Plácido ópez
• Domingo Soler as Licenciado Marcelo Gómez Sosa
• Elsa Aguirre as Rosa
• Consuelo Guerrero de Luna as Señora Gómez
• Dolores Tinoco as Directora del orfanatorio
• Diana Bordes as Hija 1a
• Manuel Noriega as Viejito velador
• Humberto Rodríguez as Nuñez, empleado incinerador
• Angélica Rey as Hija 2a
• Lala Gil Bustamante as Hija 3a
• Argentina Casas as Cuatita 1a
• Carolina Casas as Cuatita 2a

• Joanne Hershfield & David Maciel. Mexico's Cinema: A Century of Film and Filmmakers. 1999.

• The Thief at IMDb