El jefe máximo
| El jefe máximo | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Fernando de Fuentes |
| Written by | Fernando de Fuentes Carlos Arniches Rafael F. Muñoz |
| Produced by | Fernando de Fuentes Luis Sánchez Tello |
| Starring | Pedro Armendáriz Joaquín Pardavé Gloria Marín Alfredo del Diestro Leopoldo "Chato" Ortín |
| Cinematography | Gabriel Figueroa |
| Music by | Manuel Esperón |
Release date |
|
Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | Mexico |
| Language | Spanish |
El jefe máximo ("The Supreme Leader") is a 1940 Mexican comedy-drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Fernando de Fuentes.[1] The film's title playfully references the historical political moniker of former Mexican president Plutarco Elías Calles, who ruled behind the scenes as the real Jefe Máximo of the nation throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s.[2]
The film features an ensemble cast from the early Golden Age of Mexican cinema, including Pedro Armendáriz, Joaquín Pardavé, Gloria Marín, Alfredo del Diestro, and Leopoldo "Chato" Ortín.[3] It is particularly notable for its high-profile production crew, showcasing early-career cinematography by the legendary Gabriel Figueroa and an original musical score by composer Manuel Esperón.[4]
Plot
Set during the post-revolutionary political climate of 1940s Mexico, the narrative centers on a local, small-town political boss who aggressively exercises absolute control over his municipality.[1] Operating as a self-styled "supreme leader" (*jefe máximo*), his heavy-handed, autocratic rule relies on nepotism, backroom deals, and the intimidation of local merchants to consolidate his power.[2] However, his comfortable regime is abruptly destabilized by an emerging wave of social changes, political shifts, and a looming local election.[1]
A charismatic, reform-minded young man (Pedro Armendáriz) joins forces with an eccentric, traditional merchant (Joaquín Pardavé) to challenge the corrupt leader's iron grip on the town.[4] They mobilize the working-class community to demand fair civic participation and transparent accountability, setting off an escalating series of political confrontations, dramatic standoffs, and comedic local disputes.[1][4] Through a chain of domestic errors, public unmaskings, and tactical maneuvers orchestrated by the reformists, the corrupt boss's deceptions are exposed to the community. Ultimately, the townspeople achieve a peaceful civic victory, forcing the disgraced leader out of office and restoring democratic accountability to the region.[1]
Cast
- Pedro Armendáriz[3]
- Joaquín Pardavé[3]
- Gloria Marín[4]
- Alfredo del Diestro[3]
- Leopoldo "Chato" Ortín[3]
- Luis G. Barreiro[3]
- Emma Roldán[4]
- Manuel Dondé[4]
- Manuel Noriega[4]
- Gerardo del Castillo[4]
- María Claveria[3]
- Amalia Ferriz[3]
- Raúl Guerrero[3]
- Conchita Gentil Arcos[3]
- José Ignacio Rocha[3]
- Manuel Tamés[3]
- Jorge Vidal[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "El jefe máximo (1940) directed by Fernando de Fuentes". Letterboxd. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
- 1 2 You Say You Want a Revolution?: Radical Idealism and Its Tragic Consequences. pp. 210–215. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "El jefe máximo (1940) - Obsazení". ČSFD.cz. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "El jefe máximo". TV-MEDIA. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
External links
External links