During the Spanish Civil War, a group of comics lightens the days of the Republican troops. Tired of life in the front lines, they make their way to Valencia, accidentally entering enemy land and falling prisoner.
Acting
Carmen Maura's defiant, heartbreaking final monologue.
Direction
Saura's theatrical staging makes intimacy feel explosive.
Writing
The script's razor wire between laughter and horror.
Director
Carlos Saura
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The title references a famous Republican anthem; Saura turned a fascist-era play into leftist memorial.
Carmen Maura won Best Actress at Venice for this; she reportedly couldn't stop shaking after the final scene.
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