VIVA VILLA! (1934) B/W 111m dir: Jack Conway (and Howard Hawks, uncredited)

w/Wallace Beery, Fay Wray, Leo Carillo, Stuart Erwin, Donald Cook, George E. Stone, Joseph Schildkraut, Henry B. Walthall, Katherine De Mille, David Durand

Excellent historical drama of the Mexican bandit-revolutionary. Fast moving screenplay with colorful dialogue, lots of action, and a point: it tries to understand something of the process of revolution, which can degenerate easily into mere power politics. Beery gives one of his best performances as the endearing, ruthless, and ultimately uncomprehending Villa.

From Georges Sadoul's Dictionary of Films : "Viva Villa! was begun on location in Mexico with Howard Hawks as director and co-scriptwriter with Ben Hecht. However, Louis B. Mayer interfered with the production and Hawks was replaced by Jack Conway, who completed the film. It is generally agreed that Hawks directed about half the finished film, mainly the exteriors, with Conway handling the interiors. It is impossible, however, to separate Hawks's footage from Conway's and ultimate credit for the film must rest with Conway."

Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, and Sound.