Nobleza baturra

Please, this is a drama, one that highlights the close minded social attitudes of rural northern Spain at the beginning of the 20th century. It covers a familiar theme of a woman's reputation destroyed by the malicious machinations of a rejected suitor -- a theme brought to higher lyric heights in Tomás Bretón's famous opera "La Dolores" which is also set in the very conservative northern Spanish region of Aragón.

This movie is a classic of Spanish cinema, with excellent interpretations by all concerned. It is also enriched by the magnificent singing voice of Imperio Argentina, who also manages to dance a very credible "jota" -- the most common folkloric dance of Spain (no, it is not flamenco, which is indigenous to only a limited demographic section of southern Spain!). For a glimpse of the traditional "other" Spain, one that represents most of the real Spanish folkloric culture, this film is an excellent choice. But keep in mind that practically all commercially available prints, although remastered for sound and image, are only in Spanish without subtitles.

This film was remade in color in 1965, but most critics agree that this original 1935 black and white version is the best.