While paintings interpret reality, film and photography give us a vivid look at the past.
What was Mexico like in 1935? The Revolution over, Lazaro Cardenas was president. Feelings of nationalism ran high and would make possible the expropriation of Mexico’s vast oil reserves in 1938.
Movies focused on social themes and historical events along with the melodramas popular since silent movies, and the next decade would usher in the Golden Age of Mexican film in the 1940s and ’50s.
Alexander Kerekes discovered this 16 mm movie shot in 1935 during a road trip through Mexico. The beautiful Chrysler touring car tackles the roughest terrain through remote countryside, towns and cities, and even the capital. This is Mexico seen through the eyes of Americans.
We hope you enjoy it.
The Editor