Mexican Spitfire (film)

Mexican Spitfire is a 1940 American comedy film starring Lupe Vélez. She plays a hot-headed, fast-talking Mexican singer taken to New York for a radio gig, who decides she wants the ad agency man for herself. The film was the sequel of the film The Girl from Mexico (1939) and was the first of a film series of seven more films with the same title and main characters.

Mexican Spitfire
Promotional poster of the film
Directed byLeslie Goodwins
James Anderson (assistant)
Written byCharles E. Roberts and Joseph Fields
Produced byCliff Reid
StarringLupe Vélez
Leon Errol
Donald Woods
CinematographyJack MacKenzie
Music byPaul Sawtell
Distributed byRKO Radio Pictures
Release date
  • January 12, 1940 (1940-01-12)
Running time
67 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$106,000[1]
Box office$102,000[1]

A sneak preview of the film in December 1939 prompted RKO to order three more in the series.[2]

Plot

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Newlyweds Dennis and Carmelita have several obstacles to deal with in their new marriage: Carmelita's fiery Latin temper, a meddling aunt and a conniving ex-fiancee who is determined to break up their marriage.

Cast

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Lupe Vélez

Reception

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Variety called it "a neat concoction of comedy situations; running through many old, but still good. Mack Sennett routines in a zippy and zestful unwinding. Even custard pies and mushy pastries are tossed around with abandon for a rousing climax and a roaring reception."[3]

Notes

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First official entry in the series is a retread of The Girl from Mexico, but shifts focus from bland leading man Woods to hilarious Errol in dual role of Uncle Matt and the tipsy Lord Epping. The film was succeeded by another 6 films:

References

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  1. ^ a b Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin, The RKO Story. New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House, 1982. p144
  2. ^ "That Good". Variety. December 6, 1939. p. 3.
  3. ^ "Mexican Spitfire". Variety. December 13, 1939. p. 11.
  4. ^ Mexican Spitfire Out West at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films
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