Watch Escuela de Rateros
- G
- 1958
- 1 hr 34 min
-
6.8 (179)
As a Mexican comedy film, Escuela de Rateros, or "School of Thieves," was released in 1958 and directed by Rogelio A. González. Pedro Infante, one of the most iconic stars of Mexican cinema at the time, stars as Germán Valdez, a sort of modern-day Robin Hood known as "Tin Tan," who ends up in jail and seeks out a gang of thieves for help in a daring escape. The film was part of a popular genre of the time, known as "picaresque cinema," which featured stories about lovable scoundrels who often found themselves in trouble but always managed to get out of it.
The film opens with Tin Tan leading a group of poor street vendors in a protest against a rich businessman named González. When the police arrive to break up the protest, Tin Tan is arrested and sent to prison. There he meets a group of thieves led by El Borras, played by Andrés Soler, who teach him their trade. With their help, Tin Tan manages to escape from prison and quickly becomes their leader.
As they plan their next heist, Tin Tan falls in love with a beautiful dancer named Lupita, played by Yolanda Varela. However, Lupita's jealous ex-boyfriend, a gangster named El Tigre, played by Manuel 'Loco' Valdés, complicates Tin Tan's plans. Meanwhile, the police are hot on their trail, and the gang must stay one step ahead of their pursuers.
The film was notable for its blend of comedy and action, as well as its sly commentary on the class divide in Mexican society. While Tin Tan and his gang are thieves, they are also portrayed as noble and heroic, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. The film was also notable for its use of music, with several musical numbers featuring Pedro Infante and Yolanda Varela.
Overall, Escuela de Rateros is a classic example of Mexican picaresque cinema, with a lovable rogue at the center of the action. It is a fast-paced and entertaining film that showcases the talents of Pedro Infante and Yolanda Varela, two of Mexico's most beloved stars. If you're a fan of classic Mexican cinema, Escuela de Rateros is definitely worth checking out.
