Madrid
Completed

'El signo de la muerte': A 1939 Mexican Horror-Comedy Film Screening at Juan March Institute

This vintage screening blends horror, comedy, and intrigue, featuring Aztec prophecies set within a captivating museum mystery.

Immerse yourself in 'El signo de la muerte', a 1939 Mexican film by director Chano Urueta. This unique screening at the Juan March Institute blends elements of horror, intrigue, and comedy, offering a captivating journey into vintage cinema. The plot unfolds within Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology, where mysterious crimes are intricately linked to an ancient Aztec prophecy. Discover a notable early appearance by Mario Moreno 'Cantinflas', adding a comedic touch to the suspenseful narrative.

About El signo de la muerte at Juan March Institute in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for El signo de la muerte at Juan March Institute in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This screening features 'El signo de la muerte', a 1939 Mexican film by Chano Urueta that blends horror and intrigue with comedy. Set in the National Museum of Anthropology, the plot revolves around mysterious crimes linked to an ancient Aztec prophecy.

Curatorial context

As part of the film cycle 'Antes de América en la gran pantalla. Fuentes originarias y modernidad cinematográfica', this screening presents 'El signo de la muerte', a 1939 film directed by Chano Urueta. Urueta and his art director, poet Salvador Novo, aimed to create a 'spooky' genre film, a blend of horror and suspense suitable for families, inspired by Hollywood's contemporary success. The film is set in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico and centers on a series of mysterious crimes connected to an ancient Aztec prophecy. A notable early appearance of Mario Moreno 'Cantinflas' alongside his stage partner Manuel Medel adds a comedic element. The film subverts the solemn treatment of pre-Hispanic heritage prevalent in the era's politics and arts by incorporating this comic duo, featuring iconic Aztec monoliths like the 'Sun Stone' and Coatlicue in memorable jokes.

Admission and ticket notes

This event is part of a film cycle. Further details on ticketing and access can be found on the Juan March Institute's official website or potentially within the linked program document.

El signo de la muerte key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for El signo de la muerte at Juan March Institute in Madrid

Venue
Juan March Institute
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Jan 29, 2024 – Feb 5, 2024
Artist line / attribution
Chano Urueta (Director), Salvador Novo (Art Director), Mario Moreno 'Cantinflas' (Actor), Manuel Medel (Actor)
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