Search - Jorge Negrete :: Charro Cantor: Exitos De Pelicula (W/Dvd) (Bril)

Excellent Negrete Set

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 07/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2 disc set has 14 songs on the audio CD, and 2 films on the 2nd DVD disc, both packaged in the same jewel case, with a little foldout insert that has a song list and basic information on the films. It's a wonderful collection for Jorge Negrete fans, and 55 years after his death, he is still a huge star, with a following almost as large as that of Pedro Infante. They both had untimely deaths, but left us with an incredible legacy on film and in their recordings. Negrete (1911-1953) was one of Mexico's greatest singers, with a smooth, rich baritone that could have made him a big opera star had he chosen to be one, and he was also tall, dark, and incredibly handsome.



Disc 1, the audio CD: The 14 songs are a delight, and include a Spanish version of Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine," which is so very fine, with its tropical sounding arrangement, and his fantastic rendition of Chucho Monge's "Mexico Lindo y Querido." This song is the "unofficial anthem" of Mexico, and Negrete's interpretation is considered by most to be the definitive one. Total running time is 45:13.



Disc 2, a DVD with 2 films. Both are restored beautifully ("Hasta que Perdio Jalisco" has a few minor "crackles" but is remarkable for its age). They do not have subtitles or any "extras."

1. "Tal Para Qual, " (1953). This is a crazy romp starring Negrete and Luis Aguilar, as a pair of scoundrel brothers who live a riotous life until they meet up with 2 strong and pretty women (Maria Elena Marquez and Rosa del Castilla). This was one of Negrete's last films and though not his finest, is still amusing and loaded with songs sung by both Negrete and Aguilar. Directed by Rogelio Gonzalez (even though the insert credits Alejandro Galindo) and total running time is 90 minutes.

"Hasta que Perdio Jalisco," (1945). This sweet and romantic musical drama may be predictable, but it has winning charm, and is a film one can watch many times and appreciate more with each viewing. Negrete plays a brave and strong man who raises the son of his sister, vowing to keep her secret of having been unwed no matter what it costs him. This film also shows Negrete's superb horsemanship and also has many marvelous songs. Memorable is the song and dance he does with the little boy who plays his nephew. Directed by Fernando de Fuentes, it has a good cast with Gloria Marin and Armando Soto "El Chicote" heading the long list of players. Total running time is 90 minutes.

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