Mexicana: A Musical Time Capsule That Still Charms (Mostly)

So, *Mexicana*? Yeah, it’s worth a look if you’re into old musicals or just curious about what folks watched back in the day. If you dig the big band sound, especially Xavier Cugat's orchestra, you'll probably get a kick out of this. But if you need a strong plot or sleek modern production, you might find yourself checking your watch. It's a specific flavor, for sure. 💃

The movie's really just a vehicle for a bunch of musical acts, which is fine. It doesn't pretend to be much else. Gus Edwards, who wrote it and stars, kinda leads us through these numbers. He’s got this charming stage presence, a real showman, even if some of his bits feel a little… well, of their time.

Honestly, the music is the main event. Cugat's orchestra is fantastic. You can feel the energy, especially when they really get going. There's a particular trumpet solo, maybe two-thirds of the way in, that just sings. It lasts just a little longer than you'd expect, which is nice.

Armida, oh man, she just lights up the screen. Her numbers are a definite highlight. There’s this one where she’s singing a slightly melancholic tune, but her eyes are still just sparkling. You almost forget the set behind her is, shall we say, minimal. ✨ It’s all about her delivery.

And Triana, too! So much movement and grace. The dance sequences are surprisingly intricate sometimes, especially for a film that feels like it was put together fairly quickly. One shot of Triana’s footwork, a quick close-up, just for a second. Really caught my eye.

Some of the transitions between numbers are a bit abrupt. Like, one minute you’re in a smoky nightclub, the next you’re suddenly on a brightly lit outdoor set. No real explanation, just poof, new scene. It adds to that "thrown together" charm, I guess. It makes you kinda chuckle.

There's a moment where a background extra almost trips over a prop. So subtle, but I caught it. It's those little things that remind you these were real people making these movies, not just perfect machines.

Ruth Fuller Golden has a smaller part, but her expressions are quite good. She doesn’t have a lot of lines, but she conveys a surprising amount with just a look. There's a scene where she's reacting to one of Edwards' jokes, and her slight eye-roll is just perfect.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Mexicana (1929) through its definitive frames.

The plot, what little there is, serves mostly to introduce the next song or dance. It’s thin, like paper-thin. You can almost feel the writers going, "Okay, how do we get to the next musical number now?" It's not trying to fool anyone.

Sometimes the camera lingers on a performer's face just a bit too long after they finish a line, or a song ends. It makes the silence feel a little awkward, but also kinda endearing. Like they weren't quite sure when to cut.

You’ll hear some truly delightful harmonies from the chorus throughout. Not always perfectly crisp, but full of heart. It’s the kind of sound that just makes you tap your foot.

One of the big production numbers, with all the dancers, has this slightly chaotic energy. Not messy, but like everyone's just a little bit off their mark, in a way that feels very alive. You can see the effort, and it’s kinda infectious.

The costuming is pretty flamboyant for some of the numbers. Lots of sequins and ruffles. It really pops, even in black and white or sepia (depending on the print you catch). The feathers! So many feathers. 🪶

It’s definitely a product of its time. Some of the humor, some of the stereotypes, they don’t quite land today. You gotta view it through that lens, or it might just rub you the wrong way. That’s just how old films can be sometimes, you know?

But then Armida comes back for another number, and everything just snaps back into place. Her presence is just that strong. It's almost like the movie knows she's the secret weapon.

Edwards does a neat little trick with a hat at one point. Just a quick flourish. Totally unnecessary for the story, but it shows his vaudeville roots. A real little bit of stage magic.

Overall, it’s a breezy watch. Not something you’ll obsess over, but a nice way to spend an hour if you're in the mood for some vintage tunes and charismatic performers. Don't go in expecting Citizen Kane, obviously. Just enjoy the show. 🎶