Directed by René Cardona Music by Armando Rosales Director René Cardona Music director Armando Rosales Cast Julián Soler | Produced by Juan Pezet Edited by Juan José Marino Running time 1h 6m Cinematography Raúl Martínez Solares | |
Written by Adolfo Fernández Bustamante (play)
Josep Carner Ribalta
Antonio Guzmán Aguilera Starring Julián Soler
Adria Delhort
Josefina Escobedo Screenplay Adolfo Fernández Bustamante Similar Santa Claus, Survive!, Cry of the Bewitched, También de dolor se canta, El pueblo sin Dios | ||
The Coward (Spanish: El cobarde) is a 1939 Mexican war film directed by René Cardona and starring Julián Soler, Adria Delhort and Josefina Escobedo.
Contents
Story
Alberto (Soler) is born in the imaginary republic of Sucravia (a country much like Mexico) in time of war, where his father dies a hero's death. He grows up as an effeminate lover of music. His mother (Delhort) sends him to the military college. There, Fernando (Aldás) bullies him, but gradually they become friends. A second war breaks out, and Alberto tries to avoid danger. If he is to change his life, he must face his fear.
Reception
The New York Times, reviewing the film in 1939, describes El Cobarde as "likely to keep the spectators guessing until the last reel". In their reviewer's opinion, Cardonas combines some psychology with "considerable talk about the now generally discredited theory of prenatal influence", a mother's genuine pride in her son, and a gentle romance. Soler, says the reviewer, plays the "vacillating" son of a hero well, and Delhort is "excellent as the Spartan mother" intent on preserving the family tradition of patriotic bravery. Escobedo and the supporting cast ably play mainly comic roles.