The Girl from Mexico

Lupe Vélez is so much fun here, and even though what would launch the 'Spitfire' series has the feel of a B movie, I found myself really enjoying it because of her. Her character has been brought to New York as a prospective singer by a talent scout, but she wants to see the town, so cajoles his uncle into taking her to a baseball game, wrestling match, and six-day bicycle race. In delightful ways, she mocks those who put on airs or try to control her, and sensing an attraction with the scout (even though he's engaged), begins trying to make him think she's seeing other men to make him jealous.

It's a simple story and pretty clear where it's going, but it's far from stupid (unlike the first sequel, which I saw before this one), and it's well told over its short 71 minutes. Mercifully there is less "fiery Latina" stereotypical behavior and simply more playfulness, and Vélez is absolutely charming. She's such a natural in her comedy and flirtation that it's quite a shame that this wasn't a more developed vehicle, and that even as it is, that it's not more highly regarded. I also really liked Leon Errol as the uncle here, who played off her beautifully, so much so that the thought occurred to me that it would have been wild if their characters had ended up together. Donald Woods is clearly the weak link, but the film succeeds because of Vélez and Errol.