This little known1945 production could very well be the best in the filmography of film pioneer and director Ramón Peón. Based on a play by Federico Gamboa and with a script by Emilio Fernández, Mauricio Magdaleno and Carlos Velo, "Entre hermanos" is truly a satisfying movie experience.
The story could be easily taken as a customary Mexican melodrama since it starts as the classic romantic tale of two men in love with the same woman. However that is where the similarity ends since the story, as written by the illustrious Federico Gamboa, develops into what seems a bona fide Greek tragedy. Two men, Ramón and Gerardo, are brothers who have known Pilar, the woman they both love, since childhood. The brothers are very serious about their love and intentions for Pilar but she is not so sure of her own feelings. The Mexican Revolution breaks out and both brothers go to fight in the front but, after a while, Ramón, plays a trick on his brother, deserts the army, and returns home to pursue his seduction of Pilar. Meanwhile, in the background there is the wailing Soledad, a mysterious woman who might be alive or dead but whose presence casts a shadow of doom over all.
While Geraldo becomes a hero of the Revolution, Pilar realizes that she is really in love with Ramón and marries him. Of course, that is not the end of the story because after that Gerardo will show up when you least expect it and Pilar tries some witchcraft from Soledad. You will surely be treated to more suspense, mystery and shock but I don´t want to spoil it for you. The cast of "Entre hermanos" was assembled from some of the greatest actors in Mexican cinema who were also favorites of the public. Pedro Armendáriz, Rafael Baledón, José Elías Moreno, etc. are all very good, but I would like to highlight the performances of the lead females Carmen Montejo, Anita Blanch and Isabela Corona. Those ladies turn out excellent performances, the kind that stays with you long after watching the film.
"Entre hermanos" takes place in rural Mexico at the beginning of the 20th Century and veteran cinematographer Jack Draper gives us images that transports us to the precise place and time. There are a few precious moments of visual excellence like the dance of "sowing seeds on the soil" by a group of female dancers wearing typical Indian customs. The sequence was artfully shot and is simply enchanting. I just hope this film gets the attention it deserves from cultural institutions such as Mexico´s UNAM, and from the home video industry. Maybe someday we can enjoy "Entre hermanos" digitally remastered and restored to the way it was originally conceived and filmed by director Ramón Peón and his crew.
