La Zandunga is a 1938 Mexican romantic drama film directed by Fernando de Fuentes and written by Fuentes alongside Rafael M. Saavedra. The film stars international Hollywood actress Lupe Vélez in her native Mexican cinema debut, alongside Arturo de Córdova, Joaquín Pardavé, and Gilbert Roland.
Set in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the narrative focuses on a local woman who finds herself torn between a sailor and an affluent, traditional regional suitor, challenging local customs through her search for love. Driven by the popularity of the traditional Oaxacan folk song of the same name, the musical drama blended rural regional folklore with Hollywood-style star power.
Plot
In a little town around Tehuantepec, in Oaxaca, Mexico, lives a beautiful and cheerful girl named Lupe, in love with a stranger marine named Juancho. The man has to go to Veracruz and promises Lupe that he will return and marry her. After several months, Lupe loses hope of seeing him again and accepts the offer of another man to marry.
Cast Lupe Vélez as Lupe Arturo de Córdova as Juancho Joaquín Pardavé as Don Catarino María Luisa Zea as Marilú Rafael Falcón as Ramón Carlos López "El Chaflán" as The Secretary Conchita Gentil Arcos as Doña Mariquita
Production notes This was the first Spanish-speaking movie for Lupe Vélez, who, after a massive career in Hollywood, returned to Mexico to take advantage of her popularity among Hispanic audiences.
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