This is a sympathetic and agreeable film depicting the teachings received the kiddies for the dictatorship time. It is narrated by a voice in off by Emilio Gutiierrez Caba as adult Sopena . Concerning schoolmates as the starring child Sopena and his friend Briones, an extremely rebellious and naughty student, both of them submitted by their really stiff teacher : Fernando Guillen who imposes them a hard education with strong punishments included . Along the way, the kiddies enjoy carrying out antics, jokes, frolics and reading comic books or tebeos of Roberto Alcazar : Francis Lorenzo and Pedrin : Jorge Sanz at the kiosk owns Chus Lampreave. Finally, the schoolmates undertake a journey to Valle de los Caidos, accompanied by an O. J. E. Chief : Fernando Guillen Cuervo and their regular teacher Don Julian : Fernando Guillen Sr.
Attractive and likeable comedy set in the Sixties providing a sour and ironical critic to the social habits, repression and Catholic religion. Highlights of the movie are the charming recreation on the adventures of Roberto Alcazar and Pedrin fighting evil enemies and being well played by Francis Lorenzo and Jorge Sanz. The cast is pretty good with plenty of familiar faces giving enjoyable interpretations, such as : Fernando Guillen as the strict teacher, Agustin Gonzalez as a Radio presenter, Gran Wyoming as the stiff-upper-lip priest, Jordi Grau as bishop, Fernando Guillen Cuervo as a fascist commander , Natalia Dicenta as Sopena's mum, Valentin Paredes as Sopena's dad , Maria Isbert, Maria Kosti, Antonio Gamero as a bus driver , among others.
It displays an atmospheric and sensitive musical score by Jesus Gluck. As well as evocative and adequate cinematography by Fernando Arribas. Shot on location in Algete, El Escorial, Talamanca del Jarama, Madrid. The motion picture was professionally directed by Juan Jose Porto. He was a screenwriter and director, in fact he wrote various Paul Naschy films and made some movies with penchant for nostalgic comedies as Ultimo Guateque I and Ultimo Guatague II, Cronicas Bromuro, Curso Amamos a Kim Novak, among others. Rating 6/10. Passable and acceptable.
