El Gendarme Desconocido

El Gendarme Desconocido Review

This is certainly one of Cantinflas classics (arguable the best). It is also the first one with his favorite director MM Delgado, who was debuting as director in "complete" charge. I'm not sure who benefited more of this association. Delgado became one of the bussiest directors in Mexico and Cantinflas never made a better movie than "Ahi esta el detalle" (also can be arguable the best) done previously and directed by Bustillo Oros. However, he equaled this many times with Delgado (at least until his color movies). Here in this film, it is notorious the liberty he gives Cantinflas to improvise. I believe that this produced most of his funniest scenes. Like in this one when he was reading his report to the chief of police, about a bomb that is just about to explode; and he excuses himself for having trouble to read what he wrote, because he doesn't know how to read and write. Anyway, it'a gem of a comedy and a must to be digitally restored. Cantinflas captures three bandits who had robbed a bank the night before. Considered a hero, Cantinflas is given the title of Agent 777 because of his ability to disguise himself in many different forms. In his ultimate assignment, he transforms himself into a wealthy jewel collector to set up a group of gangsters.