The Great Madcap (1949)
Original title: El gran calavera
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Buñuel's first "comeback" film since "L'Age d'Or" in 1930 (he made only a few musicals in the interim), "El Gran Calavera" concerns a family's attempts to change the patriarch's somewhat indulgent and hedonistic ways by fooling him into thinking his large fortune is gone. They assume a life of poverty in Mexico in an attempt to teach him a lesson. However, he discovers it's a ruse, but continues to perpetuate the facade of ignorance while sneaking off during the day to conduct his thriving business. Why? To teach his family a lesson - they are all lazy, worthless leeches!
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Top billed cast
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Fernando SolerRamiro de la Mata
Rosario GranadosVirginia de la Mata
Andrés SolerLadislao de la Mata
Rubén RojoPablo
Gustavo RojoEduardo de la Mata
Maruja GrifellMilagros
Francisco JambrinaGregorio de la Mata
Luis AlcorizaAlfredo
Antonio BravoAlfonsoAntonio MonsellJuan, mayordomoMaría Luisa SerranoMamá de AlfredoDaniel ArroyoInvitado a fiesta (uncredited)Keywords
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Viewing momentFrequently asked questions about The Great Madcap
What is The Great Madcap about?
Buñuel's first "comeback" film since "L'Age d'Or" in 1930 (he made only a few musicals in the interim), "El Gran Calavera" concerns a family's attempts to change the patriarch's somewhat indulgent and hedonistic ways by fooling him into thinking his large fortune is gone. They assume a life of poverty in Mexico in an attempt to teach him a lesson. However, he discovers it's a ruse, but continues to perpetuate the facade of ignorance while sneaking off during the day to conduct his thriving business. Why? To teach his family a lesson - they are all lazy, worthless leeches!
How long is The Great Madcap?
The Great Madcap has a runtime of 92 minutes.