Cantinflas and the Chaos of Mexican Modernity (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780842027717)

Cantinflas and the Chaos of Mexican Modernity is a revealing probe into the life and times of Mario Moreno, Latin America's most famous film star from the 1940s to the 1970s. This book helps to illuminate the social and cultural history of twentieth-century Mexico. Cantinflas (Moreno's film persona) was the most popular movie star in Mexican history. A fast-talking, nonsensical character, he helped Mexicans embrace their rich mestizo identity and cope with the difficulties of modernization. For thirty years he served as a "weapon of the weak," satirizing corrupt officials and pompous elites who victimized Mexico's urban poor.

This is a valuable text for courses on Mexican history and Latin American film.

Author: Jeffrey M. Pilcher
ISBN-10: 0842027718
ISBN-13: 9780842027717
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English
Published: 12/01/2000
Pages: 238
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 9.02h x 6.04w x 0.64d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2001 pg. 1969