Hollywood movies about Mexico, new ones as well as old ones, tend to include lots of largely inaccurate clichés. And are mostly acted by people who have no connection to Mexico. This movie is a rare exception with regard to clichés, though it is still acted mostly by non Mexicans.
Movie is also mis-titled. It is about the French imposed emperor of Mexico, Maximilian (excellently played by Brian Aherne, as a well meaning dupe, in well over his head, and his wife played by Bette Davis in a role suited to her talents), rather than his opponent republican president Juarez(played by Paul Muni, with laconic and stoic, and thus rather stiff, dignity). As far as I can judge, movie is fairly accurate with regard to external historical facts. However characters are too black and white to be real. For instance, Maximilian was indeed well meaning in real life, but hardly a complete dupe of others, and was knowingly responsible for creating lot of suffering. Juarez, in his turn, was no spotless democrat. Movie almost completely ignores the important political role of Catholic church, and bloody anti clericalism of republicans. It also whitewash USA's role and selfish motivations, while smearing the French and their emperor more than they deserve.
As is to be expected,from a major studio movie of that era, this one has excellent production values.
All in all, movie is worth watching.
Movie is also mis-titled. It is about the French imposed emperor of Mexico, Maximilian (excellently played by Brian Aherne, as a well meaning dupe, in well over his head, and his wife played by Bette Davis in a role suited to her talents), rather than his opponent republican president Juarez(played by Paul Muni, with laconic and stoic, and thus rather stiff, dignity). As far as I can judge, movie is fairly accurate with regard to external historical facts. However characters are too black and white to be real. For instance, Maximilian was indeed well meaning in real life, but hardly a complete dupe of others, and was knowingly responsible for creating lot of suffering. Juarez, in his turn, was no spotless democrat. Movie almost completely ignores the important political role of Catholic church, and bloody anti clericalism of republicans. It also whitewash USA's role and selfish motivations, while smearing the French and their emperor more than they deserve.
As is to be expected,from a major studio movie of that era, this one has excellent production values.
All in all, movie is worth watching.