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John Saxon in brownface tries to quit crime while the movie commits its own.
TMDB
61
Watch(US)

Cry Tough (1959)

melodramaticgrittydated

Overview

ActionDramaCrime

After getting out of prison, a Latino criminal tries to go straight.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
new york cityimmigrantamerican dreamghettopovertylatinoillegal immigrationcrime syndicatelatinxpuerto rican+1 more

Standout Aspects

Acting

Linda Cristal actually brings dignity to this mess

Production

NYC location shooting captures authentic grime

Costume

Saxon's 'ethnic' shirts deserve their own documentary

Best for:Solo: So you can pause to google 'why is John Saxon Puerto Rican'·Rewatch: Only if you're writing a thesis on 1950s racial casting·Background: The plot's thin enough you won't miss much
Heads up:Triggers: Extensive brownface casting of white actors as Latino characters·Emotional: Poverty and family shame drive the conflict
P

Director

Paul Stanley

ReleasedAug 1, 1959
Runtime1h 23m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitymedium
Tonedark
Feelmedium
Canon Productions

Top Cast

John Saxon

John Saxon

Miguel Antonio Enrico Francisco Estrada

Linda Cristal

Linda Cristal

Sarita

Joseph Calleia

Joseph Calleia

Sr. Estrada

Harry Townes

Harry Townes

Carlos Mendoza

Don Gordon

Don Gordon

Incho

Perry Lopez

Perry Lopez

Toro

Frank Puglia

Frank Puglia

Lavandero

Joe De Santis

Joe De Santis

Juan Antonio Hernando Cortez

BarBara Luna

BarBara Luna

Tina

Arthur Batanides

Arthur Batanides

Alvears

Fred Aldrich

Fred Aldrich

Henry Corden

Henry Corden

Martín Garralaga

Martín Garralaga

Ask about Cry Tough

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

This was Linda Cristal's Hollywood breakthrough before her iconic role in 'The High Chaparral'—she fought for authentic representation her whole career.

Insight

The film's earnest attempt at social commentary is constantly undermined by its own casting choices, creating a fascinating tension between message and method.

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Reviews

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