Mexico's Revolutionary Movie Star

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Pancho Villa, a popular hero of Mexico, was not only one of the most renowned generals of the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920, but also a movie star in his own right, invading the fledging silent movie industry and capturing the imaginations of both the Americans and Mexicans alike.


Starting with the war documentary film "Life of Villa" in 1912, his main reason in letting a film be made was to acquire the needed funds in order to bankroll the Revolution against the oppressive Mexican regime. But since the viewing public was still not accustomed to the apparent realism shown in this silent documentary, Pancho Villa was convinced by the Mutual Film Corporation, who also backed the first movie, into making a more grandiose concept of integrating some staged scenes involving bona fide actors with some actual battle footages. This movie turned out to be the famous "The Life of General Villa," which featured Raoul Walsh's film debut as the young Pancho Villa and Villa playing his older self. And while he still needed the money, duly receiving an advance of $25,000 and a guarantee of 50% share in the profits made from the film, Villa also wanted for the Revolution to gain popular support in America, as he was being portrayed as a villain by some American media quarters. In a way, the film achieved a certain level of attention, realigning Villa's image to the public due to his charming personality and that undeniable heroism to fight for freedom under the Mexico flag.


And although history itself had adjudged Pancho Villa primarily as a freedom fighter of Mexico, he has also proven that he, too, like so many other common folks, can be a movie star.

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