Cantinflas and the Chaos of Mexican Modernity

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Focusing on Mario Moreno, known as Cantinflas, this book explores his significant impact on Mexican culture from the 1940s to the 1970s. As the most beloved film star in Mexican history, Cantinflas personified a fast-talking, nonsensical character that resonated with the masses, helping them embrace their mestizo identity amid modernization challenges. His role as a satirical figure allowed him to critique corrupt officials and elites, making him a voice for the urban poor and a key player in the social and cultural history of twentieth-century Mexico.