This famous experimental short apparently was the first 20 minute film released in full three strip Technicolor in August 1934. However there are two other shorts possibly filmed earlier but released a month later which are equally gorgeous: GOOD MORNING EVE and SERVICE WITH A SMILE both made for Warner Bros Vitaphone. The notion that these other two were filmed earlier can be confirmed by the fact that they are Hayes code risqué whereas LA CUCARACHA made for Pioneer Pictures at RKO is a lot more tame, even though it got into cinemas a bit ahead. LA CUCARACHA is the least bouncy of the three but has a Technicolor image dripping with oil-painting richness. It is very much like DUEL IN THE SUN made in 1946. LA CUCARACHA is completely Mexican-Spanish and as a breathtaking visual depiction of a Cantina dinner/dance it makes for truly beautiful viewing. It clearly was also made to test the thoroughness of the Technicolor palette in preparation for the full length feature BECKY SHARP produced at RKO few months later. The WB pair are more fun to watch because of their snazzy vaudeville style and art deco madness. LA CUCARACHA is more serious in tone but ha equally astounding use of color. If you can see all three shorts in quick succession and in excellent DVD clarity you will quickly become a dedicated fan of 30s Technicolor. Each are a revelation. This one has studio lit greens and orange hues in a Spanish style that will have you gasping out loud.
Review of La Cucaracha
