The Coward (Spanish: El cobarde) is a 1939 Mexican war film directed by René Cardona and starring Julián Soler, Adria Delhort and Josefina Escobedo.
Contents
Story
Alberto (Soler) is born in the imaginary republic of Sucravia (a country much like Mexico) in time of war, where his father dies a hero's death. He grows up as an effeminate lover of music. His mother (Delhort) sends him to the military college. There, Fernando (Aldás) bullies him, but gradually they become friends. A second war breaks out, and Alberto tries to avoid danger. If he is to change his life, he must face his fear.
Reception
The New York Times, reviewing the film in 1939, describes El Cobarde as "likely to keep the spectators guessing until the last reel". In their reviewer's opinion, Cardonas combines some psychology with "considerable talk about the now generally discredited theory of prenatal influence", a mother's genuine pride in her son, and a gentle romance. Soler, says the reviewer, plays the "vacillating" son of a hero well, and Delhort is "excellent as the Spartan mother" intent on preserving the family tradition of patriotic bravery. Escobedo and the supporting cast ably play mainly comic roles.
Cast
Julián Soler as Capitán Alberto Anzures
Adria Delhort as Doña Amalia
Josefina Escobedo as Leonor
Antonio R. Frausto as Juancho
Lita Enhart as Elvira
Luis Aldás as Fernando
Joaquín Coss as Director del colegio
Dolores Camarillo as Pancha
Ángel T. Sala as Sargento Rocha
Ricardo Mondragón as General
Arturo Soto Rangel as Doctor
Gustavo Carrillo as General
Narciso Busquets as Alberto (niño)
Isa Gary as Rosa
Isauro Ruiz as Sargento
Julio Ahuet as Soldado
Roberto Cañedo as Minor Role
Manuel Dondé as Minor Role