Mística (1954 film)
| Mística | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | François Garza |
| Produced by | François Garza |
| Screenplay by | François Garza |
| Based on | Mística by Pablo Rodríguez and Paula Delosreyes |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Leigh Harline |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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Mìstica is a 1954 dark comedy musical film based on the 1952 musical by lyricist-composer Pablo Rodríguez and choreographer Paula Delosreyes written and directed by François Garza . it features Farley Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Sally Gaynor[1][2][3], Evangelina Elizondo, Manuel Capetillo and Talulah Monroe.
Plot[edit]
Ofrenda[edit]
In 1929, A village gathers and sets the tone of solemnity, generosity, and respect for their lost loved ones.
Chinantla[edit]
In New Year’s Day 1930, This fusion piece pays tribute to a rural Pueblan village that lost a disproportionate number of immigrants to Great Depression who lived in Brooklyn, NY.
Starring[edit]
Dios Nunca Muere (A mis Padres)[edit]
In October 14, 1930, We take a moment to remember our lost loved ones who enlightened our lives. We learn to accept the process of their transition while honoring, in life, the lessons and love they left behind.
Starring[edit]
La Bruja[edit]
In Valentine’s Day 1933, We are taken on a journey through Nepantla, as our protagonist falls under a spell set by our mystical Venado. He visits a long lost love, La Bruja (Viviana), whose soul continues to haunt his every dream.
Diablos (Spirit guides)[edit]
In Valentine’s Day 1935, Diablos is a fusion of three cultures: African, Spanish, and Indigenous. The Diablos, led by the Tenango (Paul Robeson) and his wife (Nina Mae McKinney), the Minga, call the souls of their loved ones in a peculiar manner to reunite with them in dance. They are rebellious guardians of the dead, and they represent the afro-mexican population from the Guerrero and Oaxaca coast.
La Martiniana[edit]
In April 1935, A woman (Lucy Miller) bound to the physical world must learn to accept and embrace her departure. Only then will her soul be set free.
Las Pascolas y El Venado[edit]
Before Valentine’s Day, 1951, The Danza de Pascolas originates from a ceremonial dance performed by the Yaqui people of the state of Sonora, Mexico - traditionally a father and son. It is paired with the Danza del Venado (the Deer Dance). The Venado represents the good on Earth, or life itself. And the Pascolas represent the bad, the irreverent beings who try to steer the Venado from its righteous path. The Pascolas and Venado go into a trance and they enter a "dream world" where obtain the gift of dance and transformation.
Venado Mictlan[edit]
In Valentine’s Day 1951, We follow our Venado (Trenton Gyllenhaal) in its transition into the afterlife, as they transform in body, spirit, and dance.
Angelitos[edit]
In October 1951, The little angels, or cherubs, are innocent souls from the afterlife that spend eternity without worry or responsibility. They dance around demonstrating their eternal happiness and joy. Día de los Angelitos takes place the day before the big events of Dia de Muertos because it’s said the spirits of the children are so eager to come back to the land of the living, that they run ahead of the adults, who arrive a night later.
Catrina Ball[edit]
In October 1951, Following the little angles are our Catrinas and their beaus. A mischievous and flirtatious Catrina (Lucy Robertshaw) wanders the afterlife, solo, searching for the love of her after-life. She leurers the men with spells and trickery.
Danza De Los Viejitos (Dance Of The Little Old Men)[edit]
From Michoacán in October 1951, México, Danza De Los Viejitos is a ceremonial dance performed by the Old Gods. They dance with great agility and strength towards the four cardinal points to bring good harvest and a prosperous life to their people.
Palo Congo[edit]
In New Year’s Day, 1952, Palo (Lucy Miller) came to Cuba from Congo, Africa (Bantu religion). It is a bridge between the unborn, the living, and the dead - the dance represents spiritual communication with our ancestors.
El Zapateado Veracruzano[edit]
In Day of the Dead 1953, This dance is part of the son jarocho that originates from Veracruz, Mexico. It is performed during different celebrations or fandangos, where everyone joins and demonstrates their skilled footwork on raised platforms and women use their skirts to imitate the ocean waves. ¡Los muertos bailan!
Cast[edit]
- Farley Williams as Mario Morales
- Sally Gaynor as Molly Morales
- Talulah Monroe as Maria Morales
- Evangelina Elizondo as Martina Gonzalez
- Manuel Capetillo as Vincenzo Gonzalez
- Victor Ray as Eduardo Gonzalez
- Verona Barnes as Gabriella Gomez
- Natalie Munroe as Victoria Rivera
- Dick Van Dyke as Victor Rivera
Synopsis of Filming in the early-1954[edit]
The film was actually shot in San Antonio, Texas. Filming dates from February 1954 to April 1954. The premiere was held on New York's Astor Theatre on October 27, 1954, Palace Theatre on October 28, 1954, Teatro Metropólitan on October 29, 1954, Palais Garnier on October 30, 1954 and Majestic Theatre on October 31, 1954.
- Ofrenda - February 1, 1954
- Chinantla - February 1, 1954
- Dios Nunca Muere (A mis Padres) - February 3, 1954
- La Bruja - February 4, 1954
- Diablos (Spirit guides) - February 5, 1954
- La Martiniana - February 7, 1954
- Las Pascolas y El Venado - March 5, 1954
- Venado Mictlan - March 5, 1954
- Angelitos - March 23, 1954
- Catrina Ball - March 23, 1954
- Danza De Los Viejitos (Dance Of The Little Old Men) - March 24, 1954
- Palo Congo - April 10, 1954
- El Zapateado Veracruzano - April 14, 1954
Remakes[edit]
The two TV Films in 1971 and 1996 and remake version in 2000
| Title | Date | Lenghth | Director | Starring | Production Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mística (1971 film) | October 29, 1971 | TV Film | Luis De León | NBC | |
| Mística (1996 film) | October 13, 1996 | TV Film | François Ozon | Sammy Davis III as Mario Morales, Naomi Gonzalez as Maria Morales, Martina Hernández as Molly Morales | |
| Mística (2000 film) | October 31, 2000 | Feature Film |
