The Bullfighter and the Lady
US (1951): Adventure/Romance/Drama
Budd Boetticher's roman-à-clef. A visiting American filmmaker (Robert Stack) vacationing in Mexico convinces the area's foremost bullfighter (Gilbert Roland) to give him lessons so that he may impress a beautiful local señorita (Joy Page). Unfortunately, the romantic interlude turns into sadness when the cocky and cavalier attitude of the amorous American toward the dangerous sport accidentally causes the death of the famous matador. Cast also includes Virginia Grey, John Hubbard and Katy Jurado.
Tragically, Boetticher later spent time in Mexico, as in the story, and ironically his trip ended with the accidental death of the star bullfighter Carlos Arruza. Nearly 50 years after Republic Pictures edited the 124-minute original cut of The Bullfighter and The Lady to 87 minutes (under the direction of John Ford and producer John Wayne), UCLA restored the entire film, using elements provided by the Library of Congress and star Stack. (amctv.com)
1 nomination
· Writing (Motion Picture Story) 1951: Budd Boetticher, Ray Nazarro