I absolutely agree, Rcdf. I've always loved the book, and have read it several times (not as recently as I'd like, since it appears to be out of print, and does not seem to be available in e-book format ), and although the movie has several things in its favor, it could have been so much better.
For example, Tyrone Power, while he turned in his usual capable performance, was much too old to be convincing as the 19-year-old Pedro de Vargas. (Not to mention that he didn't fit the novel's description at all: Pedro is a green-eyed redhead! I've often said that the person they should have cast was a Spaniard who looked like most people's idea of an Irishman; instead they cast an Irishman who looked like most people's idea of a Spaniard!)
But casting issues are less important to me than doing justice to the story--the full story, which the film just doesn't give us.
My preference would be for a mini-series, done with all the flash and dash of the best ones produced in the '70's and '80's. I have no idea who should play the title character, but think of--to list just one example--how much more authentic a job of casting could be done for the Aztecs and the rest of the Native Americans.
And of course, nowadays we would have so many more choices of Latina actresses to play Catana and Luisa.
Yes, CFC definitely needs a "re-boot". Only trouble is, how do we get Hollywood to listen to us and get busy?
Time is life. Use it or lose it. – Letty Cottin Pogrebin
reply
share