The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1983)

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(399 ratings)

There was a genuine ballad behind The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, based on a real-life character. Cortez, a San Antonio cowpoke, was arrested in 1901 because he resembled the actual criminal. Unable to speak English, Cortez fights off the authorities, inadvertently killing a sheriff in the process.… More There was a genuine ballad behind The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, based on a real-life character. Cortez, a San Antonio cowpoke, was arrested in 1901 because he resembled the actual criminal. Unable to speak English, Cortez fights off the authorities, inadvertently killing a sheriff in the process. His subsequent life and death as a fugitive from the Texas Rangers forms the core of this independently produced project. Adapted from a novel by Americo Paredes, Ballad of Gregorio Cortez stars Edward James Olmos (who wrote some of the film's incidental music) in the title role. Originally produced for PBS' American Playhouse, the film was released to theatres in 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Robert M. Young
Genres: Western, Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jun 29, 1982 Wide

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A subdued revisionist Western based on a Mexican ballad about a true story.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
For Director Young, the tragic poignancy derives from the fact that despite rich heritage the alien Anglo culture forced Gregorio to become an outsider and to speak a language that needed translation.

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