Saturday, March 13, 2010
Salvaje, 3/12/10: Ali Baba and the 40-ish Fishermen
Cap. 15?
As we JIP to the sandy, overcast shores outside of the vaunted port of Veracruz somewhere along the coast of Mexico, Aimee arrives for her secret tryst with Juan. Juan carries her in his arms and smothers her with kisses. He, naive knave that he is, excitedly tells her that today is the perfect day to speak to her father and tell him about their relationship. Aimee, though, says no can do cuz papa's too sick. Upset with another delaying tactic, Juan demands all the particulars like her surname and address so that he can drop in on her anytime he pleases and they can continue their midnight lovemaking. (Juan, just get Gabe to follow her, you putz!) Unfortunately, Renato might find this a bit disagreeable, so Aimee manages to distract Juan long enough with her feminine wiles to steer him away from such compromising details. "¡Ay! Juan! I am yours and nobody else's. Nobody's!" Much kissing ensues. Juan suggests they go to the nearby caves so they can do the nasty in private. Aimee is only too happy to oblige. The caves it is. There's more flirting and kissing in the caves. Then the clothes come off and it's 1870's Mexico's answer to "From Here To Eternity", complete with time-elapsed visions of a blue sky and pounding surf on a secluded sandy beach. FF>>
After the deed, Juan (long, wet....er...tresses flowing in the breeze, and posing for us in all his delicious, nearly bare-nekked, glory) starts in again on formalizing their relationship with Aimee's daddy. She stalls some more with the lie that her daddy's not physically up for it. It's not that she doesn't love him or doesn't want to marry him, but it's a big step and it's got to be done right (if not exactly right away) and that means he needs to be patient with her. Juan argues that he's not a patient man and isn't likely to sit idly by when he wants something. She kisses him--or he kisses her-- passionately. "Ah! You are a savage! My savage!" Again she manages to distract him and change the subject by pointing out the nearby caves as a place for their future rendezvous. He says terrific and he'll light a bonfire to signal he's there, but if there's not a bonfire then it's because he's been distracted by some unforseen business he needs to take care of. She asks jealously if it might be another woman. Naw, he can't say, but he'll tell her some day when the time is right. (Viewerville only hopes she's as honest with him some day. Maybe when pigs fly.)
Far away in the fields of the Finca del Mar, Arcadio is bitching out the peones for missing work that morning. Remigio tries explaining that they were all with him, out of respect, because of his mother. Ol' Orca screams at them that he's not running a charity there and since they missed work that morning, they're going to have to do double the load and without pay for the day. Remi objects. That's unfair and Master Renato will object! Orca could give a crap. He screams at the peones to get to work. Remi starts off but then turns around and defiantly says he's not working double cuz he's got other things of his own to do! If Orca wants gripe to Renato about it then go ahead because, either way, Renato is well aware of the guy's high-handed ways. The two stare each other down, but it seems Remi wins this battle as he walks off to join the others.
Back in town, Puerto de Alvarado, Aimee sneaks up behind Clemencia and lies that she was delayed because she had to find another sweetshop for Leonarda's goodies. (Ok. Ok. How long was she on the beach with Juan--an hour, maybe two? How long would it have taken, really, to find another candy store?) Clemencia is obviously tired of waiting and makes it clear that she doesn't want another load of dung slung from Aimee. She just wants to load up the buggy and make tracks to the convent, ASADP!
Back on the beach there's another fracas between the fishermen and the bad guys' front man, the 1870's equivalent of a mob syndicate made man, who is demanding they sell him their fish at ridiculously low prices. The sheriff [alguacil] comes by with his guard of soldiers and asks what the ruckus is about. The crooked buyer runs over to the sheriff and whines that the fishermen refuse to sell their fish to him at the price the sheriff has ordered them to. Suddenly, from the back of the crowd, Juan takes a flying leap at one of the soldiers, rolls him over, then knocks him out with a head-butt. Juan then gets up and defiantly breaks the soldier's gun in half over a log of deadwood. The sheriff frowns but doesn't move a muscle.
Meanwhile, Regi tells the abbess that seeing the needy makes her more sure than ever that she wants to take her vows as a nun. Yep. Charity is The Lord's work. The abbess tells her that taking vows, though, is a calling and she has to be sure her taking her vows is not just being done on a whim. She tells Regi that time will determine whether she is a serious candidate for cloisterdom or not.
Back at the "public disturbance" on the beach, the sheriff yells at the crowd to stop and desist or he'll lock them up for life for defying the legal authorities. Juan gives them a boldly insolent belly laugh and tells the sheriff that this time it won't be so easy for him to carry out his threats. The sheriff and his soldiers point their guns at him and cock. "Oh? Do you want to find out?" Pedro stops Juan from going for his knife and getting shot for his pains.
Aimee and Clemencia are now visiting with Regi. Aimee hides her snicker behind a gloved hand and tells Regi she still can't understand how her sister can enjoy being in this silent sort of prison. Regi is dismayed to hear her sister belittle the convent, but Aimee really takes the wind out of those sails Regi's wearing by telling her sis that she's now learned Regi only entered the convent because she was in love with Renato, but he chose Aimee instead. Regi begs Aimee to keep her secret. (Considering how people keep secrets around there, I wouldn't expect much.) Regi then demands that Aimee keep her promise from the other night. "You remember that, right?" Aimee laughs at her and says she thinks it was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. In fact, she thought Regi was nutty asking her something like that. "Well, you can see I'm not and I'm more full of sense than ever! For Renato's good and yours, don't forget it!" Regi wants to know if Aimee's been seeing Juan. Aimee lies and swears she hasn't seen or heard from him since they left the ship. Regi takes her sister's word as gospel and smiles angelically. Clemencia, who didn't exactly fall off the taco wagon yesterday, frowns suspiciously at Aimee.
Across town in Noel's office, Rodrigo is telling Renato that his father was wrong to make him promise to take care of that bastard, Juan. Renato is insulted and says he's never gone back on his word; and this time won't be any exception. Rod says Ren disappoints him. Noel breaks in and says he must realize that Renato has no idea who Juan is, nor does he even suspect the history behind it all. Ren yells at the two of them then somebody should tell him already! (Naw. That would make too much sense.) Noel says not now. It's not the proper time to go into it. Rod warns Ren that for his own good and for the good of the family he had best forget it or otherwise, neither Rod nor his daughters will have anything more to do with him, ever. Noel tries to get Rod the Rash to calm down, but Rod's not interested. He glares at Ren. "Never! Understand? Never!" The camera flashes a picture of our gorgous gálan as Renato processes and Uni breaks for a bit of crass capitalism so it can pays its bills.
When we resume, Rod, Noel and Don Fulgencio are now discussing business plans. [Ed. note: Esmas notes say Rod has decided to invest in a wood enterprise, despite Noel and Fully's opposition. It would seem this was edited out of the scene. Why does this not surprise me?] Fully says, "Well it's your decision." Rod agrees and mentions now that he is anxious to meet their new business associate, aka, Juan Aldama, who heads this enterprise. Noel says he'll let them know when he finally returns from Europe. Rod thinks the man should have been back by now and thinks "such informality" is unprofessional from the man, i.e., not to have given them a date certain for his return.
Rod and Fully leave Noel's together. Noel, now alone in his office, thinks to himself that Rod might be opposed to Renato looking for Juan, but that doesn't mean that he can't. Noel made a promise to Juan and he plans on keeping it even if it means Rodrigo never speaks to him again.
Back at the beach, Juan is bummed. He tells the fishermen that they were wrong to give away their fish like that. "If you continue to do that you'll never stop being slaves [sometidos = people in bondage]." Santo reminds him they were sort of like looking down the barrel of a gun and forced to. Juan says there has to be another way. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." He begins planning a way to get even. Santo asks what he's got in mind. Juan says he'll let them know that evening. He'll wait for them at Devil's Rock by the Caves of Santa Cruz. Be there or be square.
Back in town, meanwhile, Ren paces around and remembers "Tio" Rod's angry threats. Renato (the frustrated horntoad) can't bear the thought of never seeing Aimee again.
At the same time, somewhere on the way into town, Mme. Marlene's coach is racing out of control. The horses are running away with it. Juan sees what's happening so he jumps off his horse and onto the seat next to the driver. He helps the driver stop the racing carriage. (Ok. Two good deeds and counting, but the day isn't over yet.) Magda/Mme. Marlene is crying her eyes out. She wants to repay him for his troubles (I think). He replies that she is apparently the one with troubles, not him, and asks if he can help. She keeps sobbing. Suddenly, she recognizes him from the ship. He says he recognizes her, too, and that he remembers dancing with her at the ball. Mme. Marlene is still sobbing so hard she can't finish her sentence. (This is getting irritating.) He promises not to say a word to anyone if she'd like to tell him what's bothering her. He takes her hand and manages to get her to stop weeping.
In town again, Federico bumps into Gabe on the street. Feddy tries to make small talk with him and says he's really interested in meeting his employer and so does he know when his boss is due back? Gabe is curt. "Don't know." He puts Feddy off and keeps walking till he remembers that Feddy is the foppy guy from the ship. Gabe asks him why he's so interested in meeting his boss. "Do you represent somebody?" For once Feddy doesn't know quite what to say.
In the meantime, Aimee meets Renato in town. While they wait for Clemencia to finish praying at the church he asks her how Regi is doing at the convent. She thinks it's a horrible place where they imprison people and make them (oh the horror!) scrub the floors by hand. Aimee says her sis must have been out of her mind doing something like that [no estar en sus cabales]. Ren shakes his head and says well, different strokes for different folks. [Cada cual decide su destino= everone chooses their own destination.] He jumps into the carriage and they head for the cafe.
At the same time, Rod and Fully are walking along the boardwalk and chatting. Rod takes a flier from a little boy and learns that there's a new casino, Casino Veracruz, having its grand opening in town that night. He and Fully make plans to meet there later that evening.
Back at Mme. Marlene's coach, Magda is saying something to Juan about not being able to risk being recognized. She doesn't know why she's telling him all this, she says, but for some reason he inspires trust in her. Juan says not to worry; he's got an idea that might help her out of her jam. He won't betray her confidence. Trust him. (Good deed #3 and still counting. What a waste of gallantry, though. After what Magda pulled?) No. Mme. Marlene mustn't worry any further.
Renato and Aimee meet Clemencia at the cafe. Once they're seated Ren asks Aimee if she'd ever allow her father to separate her from him. She says no way, but then, of course, she wouldn't be able to go against her father's will. She adds, "But, I'm not like Regina." That apparently settles it for him and he mumbles something about knowing who has to give in then. Rodrigo appears at the cafe and Ren goes to greet him. He starts to snub Renato. Ren takes him aside and explains that he's decided to forget about looking for Juan, provided "Tio Rod" won't distance himself from the family. What's past is past and stays there. Rod hugs Ren and claps him on the shoulder. Good puppy...er... boy!! Smiles all around.
Back at Juan's rented cave-top casota, Gabe is confused when he hears what he's just been told to do. Juan laughs at him and says it will only be for a short time and that he should just enjoy himself.
At Mme. Marlene's, Mme. is telling Fey Man, Phillipe, that she's surprised at how much calmer she feels after discussing things with Juan despite having just met him. Phillipe is anxious for the grand opening of the casino that night. She says first she has to get through the visit at the Montes de Oca's that afternoon. Upstairs her pro's are primping and preparing for a good night's haul. Fifi is troubled. "It pains me to see how the little gypsy girl is suffering for her man." They are feeling charitable and decide to help Jimena in her pursuit of true love.
Later that day, Remi and Juan meet at JD Sr.'s graveside where Remi ceremoniously hands him the letter that was left in his blanket when he was abandoned. Juan is close to weeping as he reads it. "This is incredible! That son of a whore! [ese mal nacido = literally it's how they'd have said it back then, but it's bastard or M.F.'r --my preference-- in today's earthy vernacular] Rodrigo Montes de Oca not only rejected me, but he preferred to kill me rather than to acknowledge me as part of his family!" Tears run down Juans cheeks. "Fortunately, somebody took pity on me and left this letter so that one day I could tell my story...so that I might find my own way. Remigio, you have to help me! You have to help me find this person so I can pour out my gratefulness for their generosity. " Remi nods in solidarity with his adopted bro.
Back in the study at the finca, Noel asks Rod to be patient with Ren because his son is a man whose ideas of right and wrong are "very entrenched" [arraigado] in him. Rod says not to bother. He and Ren have already talked it over and Ren has given up his plans to go looking for the bastard. What Rod would appreciate though, is to make sure that neither Ren nor his two daughters ever find out about what happened between Rosie and him.
At the same time, down in the bowels of the main house, rambling Rosie accidentally touches a secret latch that opens the door of her cell, revealing a secret stairway leading up and out of the cellar. Ruh-roh!! Rosie may be nearly off her rocker, but she's lucid enough to realize what she's just found. She hesitates with indecision as her wild eyes flit from side to side under the vestiges of her tattered veil. (OMG! I guess Mejia's methods have me overwrought with the need for melodramatic flourish. I've been recapping his schmaltz way too long!)
Upstairs, Celia (?) announces to Noel and Rod that Mme. Marlene has arrived. She and Phillipe come into the room. The men greet her warmly. Rod kisses her gloved hand and lingers a bit. All smiles, he sends for Leona (Bitcha Maxima) and Rosenda (Bitcha Minima). Magda sits down and thinks to herself that she's finally going to see her daughter after all this time apart from her. Rosenda walks in. She takes one look at Magda and realizes immediately who is sitting there and expectantly staring her in the face. It might be "the call of the blood" but Rosenda is anything but pleased that it has beckoned her. "Sour puss" doesn't quite capture it.
In town, Fifi is taking a walk. Feddy, like a mouse to cheese, notices and greets her. They exchange pleasantries and begin walking together --until she sees that too many of the "gentlemen" in town, including Gabe, recognize her. She makes her excuses and races off.
Back in the living room of the finca, Maxima and Minima, having been introduced, are having tea and chatting--if you can call it that--with the guests. (Actually, Rod is the one doing most of the talking.) Rod is ready to do away with formality and wants them to all use the familiar "tú" [tutearse] but Leona says they've only just met. It's way too soon to do that and it might make their guests uncomfortable. Mme. Marlene politely agrees and then asks Rosenda how long she's been working there in the house. Rosenda says ever since her mother abandoned her. "It's something I will never forgive! If it hadn't been for Sra. Leonarda, I don't know what would have happened to me." Magda gets all weepy-eyed. Noel reprimands Rosenda for second-guessing her mother's motives. Phillipe hints it's time to go. Rosenda shows them out. Leona tells herself that it might be her imagination but she is sure she knows the woman somehow.
In the carriage on the drive back, Magda is totally distraught at the way her daughter rejected her. (I don't suppose the way she abandoned her as a little girl, leaving Rosenda to tend to her disgusting drunk of a father while Maggie whored her way to the top of a booming brothel business with nary a backward glance might have had anything to do with it. Naw. Magda has the brain of a magpie.) Phillipe tells her to just keep on trying and she'll eventually warm to her mama. (Viewerville suspects Rosenda has a bit more self-respect than that.) Magda would like to think so, but she's sure that Leonarda has raised her to be just like her [en su imagen y semejanza= in her own image and likeness, i.e., another bitch-witch like Leona].
Afterwards, Leona gripes to Rosenda about Rod's bahavior towards Mme. Marlene. "Did you notice how he went out of his way to pay attention to her??? I have got to find a way to avoid that woman ever visiting here again!" Rosenda tells her to leave it up to her.
Meanwhile, "Mena" pays a visit to the brothel. Fifi tells her that she's just seen Gabe in the main plaza in town. "If you hurry you can catch up with him." Mena wants to but wonders what she'll wear. She doesn't want him to see her dressed like a gypsy. Fifi decides to lend her some of the girls' clothes. The next thing we see is Mena, dressed normally, and Gabe taking her by the hand. He professes his love for her and seals it with a kiss. She professes her love for him, but now she has to go. If her aunt finds out, she says, she's likely to lock her up in the house. He wants to know where he can find her. He asks where she lives. She avoids saying and tells him the gypsy girl will be their "messenger of love". She runs off, leaving him in another lover's daze. He remembers their brief night together on the ship and sighs.
There is a circus in town, right? We get a few minutes of gypsy acrobats and clowns doing their schtick. FF>>
Night falls. Juan is arming himself. He tells the others there that they have to be quick so that nobody recognizes them. Above all, they need to remember that the others will have weapons. Even Curly the kid is along for the fun. Juan, in a bit of seafaring daring-do, leads his masked amigos aboard the Luzbel as they head out to sea to attack the gunrunners' boat. (OMG! It's Ali Baba Juan and the 40 Fishermen! Viewerville, who's been in semi-snooze mode for the last 50 minutes, snaps to.) "Don't attack until you see the signal." Juan leaps into the sea and swims by moonlight towards the other boat.
In the gunrunners' cave, Fully tells his man, Samuel, to guard the goods. Fully's expecting a special lot of "tools" [herramientas] specially made in England that he wants kept under wraps. "Shoot to kill anybody who comes near here! If you find anybody spying on us, kill them, whoever it might be!" He leaves for the casino.
At Casino Veracruz, Mme. Marlene's nifty troop of naughty ladies are ready to make an evening of it. However, Marlene comes in as they're ready to join the festivities to tell them tonight they will not be allowed downstairs. A family problem has come up [surgir] and so she needs their help, which is staying upstairs this evening. Her working girls are getting the night off, but they'll have to spend it in their room. Borrrring!
Downstairs, Gabe is hosting. Every "gentleman" in town seems to be there for the big event.
Meanwhile, Juan jumps on board the gunrunners' boat and throws their look-out overboard. The crew hear the splash and grab their weapons. Juan flashes the signal torch and his gang come aboard. He puts on his leather mask--but remains shirtless. (OMG! Juan looks like something out of a bad S&M flick. Hubby makes a crack about it being real "Eyes Wide Shut" material.)
While Juan and the gang are battling away with the crew of the gunrunners' boat we suddenly beam to a mansion and see Dagger Man break into it. Dagger Man begins bagging the silver. The owner's wife, probably alone because hubby's gone gamblin' at CV, comes down in her nighty--always a bad move-- to find out who's loose in her house.
Fully, Feddy, Rod, and Noel arrive at the casino. Feddy explains to Fully that Gabe, their host, is also the man he spoke with at the hilltop mansion Fully had him visit the other day. "He's refusing to tell me who employs him." Fully warns Feddy not to say a word about him in front of anybody, especially not in front of Sr. Montes de Oca. Feddy's to keep an eye on Gabe until he can find out who he's working for.
Across the room, Rod and Noel take a table. Rod is impactado with the luxurious digs and wonders who owns the place. Noel says he hasn't the slightest idea. Rod thinks surely it's some wealthy man who wants to hide his identity because their host is just a youngster who's been put in charge for the evening.
Inside the mansion, Dagger Man grabs the woman in the dark and threatens her with his knife.
On board the gunrunners' boat, Juan fights off a man who's ready to do in Remigio and beats the guy to a bloody pulp. Another one of the crew draws a gun on Juan's guys. All seems lost till Juan swings over on a rope and jumps him. It seems the fight's over and they've gotten control of the boat and its cargo. They start congratulating each other. Curly stands on the stairs of the quarterdeck and cheers them on. Suddenly the gunrunners' captain --Front Man from the fight on the beach that afternoon-- sneaks up and has a crewmember grab Curly. They hold a knife to his throat. Juan looks up and fingers his knife. Curly sees Juan go for the knife and kicks his captor in the shins, distracting him long enough to get away. Juan makes his move and throws the knife into the man's thigh. Front Man panics and races off the quarterdeck into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Aimee has come out in the pouring rainstorm (QTH?) in a thin dress and a shawl to meet Juan for their nightly tryst. She doesn't see the bonfire and, of course, doesn't find Juan. Instead of leaving and heading back, she stands there in the drenching rain and searches for him. (Ok. Who can see anything in the dark of night during a rainstorm, especially on the beach? The ocean is black as ink. Secondly, who else is thinking this gal may be beautiful but she's obviously too stupid to know when to get out of the rain? Bada-boom.) Samuel, sitting out in the pouring rain himself, sees her standing there, cocks his rifle, and gets ready to off her if she comes anywhere near the caves.
As we JIP to the sandy, overcast shores outside of the vaunted port of Veracruz somewhere along the coast of Mexico, Aimee arrives for her secret tryst with Juan. Juan carries her in his arms and smothers her with kisses. He, naive knave that he is, excitedly tells her that today is the perfect day to speak to her father and tell him about their relationship. Aimee, though, says no can do cuz papa's too sick. Upset with another delaying tactic, Juan demands all the particulars like her surname and address so that he can drop in on her anytime he pleases and they can continue their midnight lovemaking. (Juan, just get Gabe to follow her, you putz!) Unfortunately, Renato might find this a bit disagreeable, so Aimee manages to distract Juan long enough with her feminine wiles to steer him away from such compromising details. "¡Ay! Juan! I am yours and nobody else's. Nobody's!" Much kissing ensues. Juan suggests they go to the nearby caves so they can do the nasty in private. Aimee is only too happy to oblige. The caves it is. There's more flirting and kissing in the caves. Then the clothes come off and it's 1870's Mexico's answer to "From Here To Eternity", complete with time-elapsed visions of a blue sky and pounding surf on a secluded sandy beach. FF>>
After the deed, Juan (long, wet....er...tresses flowing in the breeze, and posing for us in all his delicious, nearly bare-nekked, glory) starts in again on formalizing their relationship with Aimee's daddy. She stalls some more with the lie that her daddy's not physically up for it. It's not that she doesn't love him or doesn't want to marry him, but it's a big step and it's got to be done right (if not exactly right away) and that means he needs to be patient with her. Juan argues that he's not a patient man and isn't likely to sit idly by when he wants something. She kisses him--or he kisses her-- passionately. "Ah! You are a savage! My savage!" Again she manages to distract him and change the subject by pointing out the nearby caves as a place for their future rendezvous. He says terrific and he'll light a bonfire to signal he's there, but if there's not a bonfire then it's because he's been distracted by some unforseen business he needs to take care of. She asks jealously if it might be another woman. Naw, he can't say, but he'll tell her some day when the time is right. (Viewerville only hopes she's as honest with him some day. Maybe when pigs fly.)
Far away in the fields of the Finca del Mar, Arcadio is bitching out the peones for missing work that morning. Remigio tries explaining that they were all with him, out of respect, because of his mother. Ol' Orca screams at them that he's not running a charity there and since they missed work that morning, they're going to have to do double the load and without pay for the day. Remi objects. That's unfair and Master Renato will object! Orca could give a crap. He screams at the peones to get to work. Remi starts off but then turns around and defiantly says he's not working double cuz he's got other things of his own to do! If Orca wants gripe to Renato about it then go ahead because, either way, Renato is well aware of the guy's high-handed ways. The two stare each other down, but it seems Remi wins this battle as he walks off to join the others.
Back in town, Puerto de Alvarado, Aimee sneaks up behind Clemencia and lies that she was delayed because she had to find another sweetshop for Leonarda's goodies. (Ok. Ok. How long was she on the beach with Juan--an hour, maybe two? How long would it have taken, really, to find another candy store?) Clemencia is obviously tired of waiting and makes it clear that she doesn't want another load of dung slung from Aimee. She just wants to load up the buggy and make tracks to the convent, ASADP!
Back on the beach there's another fracas between the fishermen and the bad guys' front man, the 1870's equivalent of a mob syndicate made man, who is demanding they sell him their fish at ridiculously low prices. The sheriff [alguacil] comes by with his guard of soldiers and asks what the ruckus is about. The crooked buyer runs over to the sheriff and whines that the fishermen refuse to sell their fish to him at the price the sheriff has ordered them to. Suddenly, from the back of the crowd, Juan takes a flying leap at one of the soldiers, rolls him over, then knocks him out with a head-butt. Juan then gets up and defiantly breaks the soldier's gun in half over a log of deadwood. The sheriff frowns but doesn't move a muscle.
Meanwhile, Regi tells the abbess that seeing the needy makes her more sure than ever that she wants to take her vows as a nun. Yep. Charity is The Lord's work. The abbess tells her that taking vows, though, is a calling and she has to be sure her taking her vows is not just being done on a whim. She tells Regi that time will determine whether she is a serious candidate for cloisterdom or not.
Back at the "public disturbance" on the beach, the sheriff yells at the crowd to stop and desist or he'll lock them up for life for defying the legal authorities. Juan gives them a boldly insolent belly laugh and tells the sheriff that this time it won't be so easy for him to carry out his threats. The sheriff and his soldiers point their guns at him and cock. "Oh? Do you want to find out?" Pedro stops Juan from going for his knife and getting shot for his pains.
Aimee and Clemencia are now visiting with Regi. Aimee hides her snicker behind a gloved hand and tells Regi she still can't understand how her sister can enjoy being in this silent sort of prison. Regi is dismayed to hear her sister belittle the convent, but Aimee really takes the wind out of those sails Regi's wearing by telling her sis that she's now learned Regi only entered the convent because she was in love with Renato, but he chose Aimee instead. Regi begs Aimee to keep her secret. (Considering how people keep secrets around there, I wouldn't expect much.) Regi then demands that Aimee keep her promise from the other night. "You remember that, right?" Aimee laughs at her and says she thinks it was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard. In fact, she thought Regi was nutty asking her something like that. "Well, you can see I'm not and I'm more full of sense than ever! For Renato's good and yours, don't forget it!" Regi wants to know if Aimee's been seeing Juan. Aimee lies and swears she hasn't seen or heard from him since they left the ship. Regi takes her sister's word as gospel and smiles angelically. Clemencia, who didn't exactly fall off the taco wagon yesterday, frowns suspiciously at Aimee.
Across town in Noel's office, Rodrigo is telling Renato that his father was wrong to make him promise to take care of that bastard, Juan. Renato is insulted and says he's never gone back on his word; and this time won't be any exception. Rod says Ren disappoints him. Noel breaks in and says he must realize that Renato has no idea who Juan is, nor does he even suspect the history behind it all. Ren yells at the two of them then somebody should tell him already! (Naw. That would make too much sense.) Noel says not now. It's not the proper time to go into it. Rod warns Ren that for his own good and for the good of the family he had best forget it or otherwise, neither Rod nor his daughters will have anything more to do with him, ever. Noel tries to get Rod the Rash to calm down, but Rod's not interested. He glares at Ren. "Never! Understand? Never!" The camera flashes a picture of our gorgous gálan as Renato processes and Uni breaks for a bit of crass capitalism so it can pays its bills.
When we resume, Rod, Noel and Don Fulgencio are now discussing business plans. [Ed. note: Esmas notes say Rod has decided to invest in a wood enterprise, despite Noel and Fully's opposition. It would seem this was edited out of the scene. Why does this not surprise me?] Fully says, "Well it's your decision." Rod agrees and mentions now that he is anxious to meet their new business associate, aka, Juan Aldama, who heads this enterprise. Noel says he'll let them know when he finally returns from Europe. Rod thinks the man should have been back by now and thinks "such informality" is unprofessional from the man, i.e., not to have given them a date certain for his return.
Rod and Fully leave Noel's together. Noel, now alone in his office, thinks to himself that Rod might be opposed to Renato looking for Juan, but that doesn't mean that he can't. Noel made a promise to Juan and he plans on keeping it even if it means Rodrigo never speaks to him again.
Back at the beach, Juan is bummed. He tells the fishermen that they were wrong to give away their fish like that. "If you continue to do that you'll never stop being slaves [sometidos = people in bondage]." Santo reminds him they were sort of like looking down the barrel of a gun and forced to. Juan says there has to be another way. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." He begins planning a way to get even. Santo asks what he's got in mind. Juan says he'll let them know that evening. He'll wait for them at Devil's Rock by the Caves of Santa Cruz. Be there or be square.
Back in town, meanwhile, Ren paces around and remembers "Tio" Rod's angry threats. Renato (the frustrated horntoad) can't bear the thought of never seeing Aimee again.
At the same time, somewhere on the way into town, Mme. Marlene's coach is racing out of control. The horses are running away with it. Juan sees what's happening so he jumps off his horse and onto the seat next to the driver. He helps the driver stop the racing carriage. (Ok. Two good deeds and counting, but the day isn't over yet.) Magda/Mme. Marlene is crying her eyes out. She wants to repay him for his troubles (I think). He replies that she is apparently the one with troubles, not him, and asks if he can help. She keeps sobbing. Suddenly, she recognizes him from the ship. He says he recognizes her, too, and that he remembers dancing with her at the ball. Mme. Marlene is still sobbing so hard she can't finish her sentence. (This is getting irritating.) He promises not to say a word to anyone if she'd like to tell him what's bothering her. He takes her hand and manages to get her to stop weeping.
In town again, Federico bumps into Gabe on the street. Feddy tries to make small talk with him and says he's really interested in meeting his employer and so does he know when his boss is due back? Gabe is curt. "Don't know." He puts Feddy off and keeps walking till he remembers that Feddy is the foppy guy from the ship. Gabe asks him why he's so interested in meeting his boss. "Do you represent somebody?" For once Feddy doesn't know quite what to say.
In the meantime, Aimee meets Renato in town. While they wait for Clemencia to finish praying at the church he asks her how Regi is doing at the convent. She thinks it's a horrible place where they imprison people and make them (oh the horror!) scrub the floors by hand. Aimee says her sis must have been out of her mind doing something like that [no estar en sus cabales]. Ren shakes his head and says well, different strokes for different folks. [Cada cual decide su destino= everone chooses their own destination.] He jumps into the carriage and they head for the cafe.
At the same time, Rod and Fully are walking along the boardwalk and chatting. Rod takes a flier from a little boy and learns that there's a new casino, Casino Veracruz, having its grand opening in town that night. He and Fully make plans to meet there later that evening.
Back at Mme. Marlene's coach, Magda is saying something to Juan about not being able to risk being recognized. She doesn't know why she's telling him all this, she says, but for some reason he inspires trust in her. Juan says not to worry; he's got an idea that might help her out of her jam. He won't betray her confidence. Trust him. (Good deed #3 and still counting. What a waste of gallantry, though. After what Magda pulled?) No. Mme. Marlene mustn't worry any further.
Renato and Aimee meet Clemencia at the cafe. Once they're seated Ren asks Aimee if she'd ever allow her father to separate her from him. She says no way, but then, of course, she wouldn't be able to go against her father's will. She adds, "But, I'm not like Regina." That apparently settles it for him and he mumbles something about knowing who has to give in then. Rodrigo appears at the cafe and Ren goes to greet him. He starts to snub Renato. Ren takes him aside and explains that he's decided to forget about looking for Juan, provided "Tio Rod" won't distance himself from the family. What's past is past and stays there. Rod hugs Ren and claps him on the shoulder. Good puppy...er... boy!! Smiles all around.
Back at Juan's rented cave-top casota, Gabe is confused when he hears what he's just been told to do. Juan laughs at him and says it will only be for a short time and that he should just enjoy himself.
At Mme. Marlene's, Mme. is telling Fey Man, Phillipe, that she's surprised at how much calmer she feels after discussing things with Juan despite having just met him. Phillipe is anxious for the grand opening of the casino that night. She says first she has to get through the visit at the Montes de Oca's that afternoon. Upstairs her pro's are primping and preparing for a good night's haul. Fifi is troubled. "It pains me to see how the little gypsy girl is suffering for her man." They are feeling charitable and decide to help Jimena in her pursuit of true love.
Later that day, Remi and Juan meet at JD Sr.'s graveside where Remi ceremoniously hands him the letter that was left in his blanket when he was abandoned. Juan is close to weeping as he reads it. "This is incredible! That son of a whore! [ese mal nacido = literally it's how they'd have said it back then, but it's bastard or M.F.'r --my preference-- in today's earthy vernacular] Rodrigo Montes de Oca not only rejected me, but he preferred to kill me rather than to acknowledge me as part of his family!" Tears run down Juans cheeks. "Fortunately, somebody took pity on me and left this letter so that one day I could tell my story...so that I might find my own way. Remigio, you have to help me! You have to help me find this person so I can pour out my gratefulness for their generosity. " Remi nods in solidarity with his adopted bro.
Back in the study at the finca, Noel asks Rod to be patient with Ren because his son is a man whose ideas of right and wrong are "very entrenched" [arraigado] in him. Rod says not to bother. He and Ren have already talked it over and Ren has given up his plans to go looking for the bastard. What Rod would appreciate though, is to make sure that neither Ren nor his two daughters ever find out about what happened between Rosie and him.
At the same time, down in the bowels of the main house, rambling Rosie accidentally touches a secret latch that opens the door of her cell, revealing a secret stairway leading up and out of the cellar. Ruh-roh!! Rosie may be nearly off her rocker, but she's lucid enough to realize what she's just found. She hesitates with indecision as her wild eyes flit from side to side under the vestiges of her tattered veil. (OMG! I guess Mejia's methods have me overwrought with the need for melodramatic flourish. I've been recapping his schmaltz way too long!)
Upstairs, Celia (?) announces to Noel and Rod that Mme. Marlene has arrived. She and Phillipe come into the room. The men greet her warmly. Rod kisses her gloved hand and lingers a bit. All smiles, he sends for Leona (Bitcha Maxima) and Rosenda (Bitcha Minima). Magda sits down and thinks to herself that she's finally going to see her daughter after all this time apart from her. Rosenda walks in. She takes one look at Magda and realizes immediately who is sitting there and expectantly staring her in the face. It might be "the call of the blood" but Rosenda is anything but pleased that it has beckoned her. "Sour puss" doesn't quite capture it.
In town, Fifi is taking a walk. Feddy, like a mouse to cheese, notices and greets her. They exchange pleasantries and begin walking together --until she sees that too many of the "gentlemen" in town, including Gabe, recognize her. She makes her excuses and races off.
Back in the living room of the finca, Maxima and Minima, having been introduced, are having tea and chatting--if you can call it that--with the guests. (Actually, Rod is the one doing most of the talking.) Rod is ready to do away with formality and wants them to all use the familiar "tú" [tutearse] but Leona says they've only just met. It's way too soon to do that and it might make their guests uncomfortable. Mme. Marlene politely agrees and then asks Rosenda how long she's been working there in the house. Rosenda says ever since her mother abandoned her. "It's something I will never forgive! If it hadn't been for Sra. Leonarda, I don't know what would have happened to me." Magda gets all weepy-eyed. Noel reprimands Rosenda for second-guessing her mother's motives. Phillipe hints it's time to go. Rosenda shows them out. Leona tells herself that it might be her imagination but she is sure she knows the woman somehow.
In the carriage on the drive back, Magda is totally distraught at the way her daughter rejected her. (I don't suppose the way she abandoned her as a little girl, leaving Rosenda to tend to her disgusting drunk of a father while Maggie whored her way to the top of a booming brothel business with nary a backward glance might have had anything to do with it. Naw. Magda has the brain of a magpie.) Phillipe tells her to just keep on trying and she'll eventually warm to her mama. (Viewerville suspects Rosenda has a bit more self-respect than that.) Magda would like to think so, but she's sure that Leonarda has raised her to be just like her [en su imagen y semejanza= in her own image and likeness, i.e., another bitch-witch like Leona].
Afterwards, Leona gripes to Rosenda about Rod's bahavior towards Mme. Marlene. "Did you notice how he went out of his way to pay attention to her??? I have got to find a way to avoid that woman ever visiting here again!" Rosenda tells her to leave it up to her.
Meanwhile, "Mena" pays a visit to the brothel. Fifi tells her that she's just seen Gabe in the main plaza in town. "If you hurry you can catch up with him." Mena wants to but wonders what she'll wear. She doesn't want him to see her dressed like a gypsy. Fifi decides to lend her some of the girls' clothes. The next thing we see is Mena, dressed normally, and Gabe taking her by the hand. He professes his love for her and seals it with a kiss. She professes her love for him, but now she has to go. If her aunt finds out, she says, she's likely to lock her up in the house. He wants to know where he can find her. He asks where she lives. She avoids saying and tells him the gypsy girl will be their "messenger of love". She runs off, leaving him in another lover's daze. He remembers their brief night together on the ship and sighs.
There is a circus in town, right? We get a few minutes of gypsy acrobats and clowns doing their schtick. FF>>
Night falls. Juan is arming himself. He tells the others there that they have to be quick so that nobody recognizes them. Above all, they need to remember that the others will have weapons. Even Curly the kid is along for the fun. Juan, in a bit of seafaring daring-do, leads his masked amigos aboard the Luzbel as they head out to sea to attack the gunrunners' boat. (OMG! It's Ali Baba Juan and the 40 Fishermen! Viewerville, who's been in semi-snooze mode for the last 50 minutes, snaps to.) "Don't attack until you see the signal." Juan leaps into the sea and swims by moonlight towards the other boat.
In the gunrunners' cave, Fully tells his man, Samuel, to guard the goods. Fully's expecting a special lot of "tools" [herramientas] specially made in England that he wants kept under wraps. "Shoot to kill anybody who comes near here! If you find anybody spying on us, kill them, whoever it might be!" He leaves for the casino.
At Casino Veracruz, Mme. Marlene's nifty troop of naughty ladies are ready to make an evening of it. However, Marlene comes in as they're ready to join the festivities to tell them tonight they will not be allowed downstairs. A family problem has come up [surgir] and so she needs their help, which is staying upstairs this evening. Her working girls are getting the night off, but they'll have to spend it in their room. Borrrring!
Downstairs, Gabe is hosting. Every "gentleman" in town seems to be there for the big event.
Meanwhile, Juan jumps on board the gunrunners' boat and throws their look-out overboard. The crew hear the splash and grab their weapons. Juan flashes the signal torch and his gang come aboard. He puts on his leather mask--but remains shirtless. (OMG! Juan looks like something out of a bad S&M flick. Hubby makes a crack about it being real "Eyes Wide Shut" material.)
While Juan and the gang are battling away with the crew of the gunrunners' boat we suddenly beam to a mansion and see Dagger Man break into it. Dagger Man begins bagging the silver. The owner's wife, probably alone because hubby's gone gamblin' at CV, comes down in her nighty--always a bad move-- to find out who's loose in her house.
Fully, Feddy, Rod, and Noel arrive at the casino. Feddy explains to Fully that Gabe, their host, is also the man he spoke with at the hilltop mansion Fully had him visit the other day. "He's refusing to tell me who employs him." Fully warns Feddy not to say a word about him in front of anybody, especially not in front of Sr. Montes de Oca. Feddy's to keep an eye on Gabe until he can find out who he's working for.
Across the room, Rod and Noel take a table. Rod is impactado with the luxurious digs and wonders who owns the place. Noel says he hasn't the slightest idea. Rod thinks surely it's some wealthy man who wants to hide his identity because their host is just a youngster who's been put in charge for the evening.
Inside the mansion, Dagger Man grabs the woman in the dark and threatens her with his knife.
On board the gunrunners' boat, Juan fights off a man who's ready to do in Remigio and beats the guy to a bloody pulp. Another one of the crew draws a gun on Juan's guys. All seems lost till Juan swings over on a rope and jumps him. It seems the fight's over and they've gotten control of the boat and its cargo. They start congratulating each other. Curly stands on the stairs of the quarterdeck and cheers them on. Suddenly the gunrunners' captain --Front Man from the fight on the beach that afternoon-- sneaks up and has a crewmember grab Curly. They hold a knife to his throat. Juan looks up and fingers his knife. Curly sees Juan go for the knife and kicks his captor in the shins, distracting him long enough to get away. Juan makes his move and throws the knife into the man's thigh. Front Man panics and races off the quarterdeck into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Aimee has come out in the pouring rainstorm (QTH?) in a thin dress and a shawl to meet Juan for their nightly tryst. She doesn't see the bonfire and, of course, doesn't find Juan. Instead of leaving and heading back, she stands there in the drenching rain and searches for him. (Ok. Who can see anything in the dark of night during a rainstorm, especially on the beach? The ocean is black as ink. Secondly, who else is thinking this gal may be beautiful but she's obviously too stupid to know when to get out of the rain? Bada-boom.) Samuel, sitting out in the pouring rain himself, sees her standing there, cocks his rifle, and gets ready to off her if she comes anywhere near the caves.
To Be Continued.........
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Another great one, Jardinera. You have the tongue-in-cheek narration down pat and I loved the bitch minima and bitch maxima number. Also thanks for those translations....really helpful. Missed this and even forgot to record it. Basketball tournament time has me more distracted than usual. But enjoyed your recap as always. Loved the title too...plenty of drama and treacle to go around in this one.
Thanks Black Heart J. Excellent and detailed , as always. So, let's see now, we have quite a large cast of characters : The Three Happy Hos unhappy with the news that they can't cancan tonight... The Crying Nun wrapped in yards of fabric....Aimless Aimee who DID actually find the candy....and , Who was that masked man ???? Batman? The Lone Ranger ?
Permalink posted by 
: Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 5:57:00 PM EST
: Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 5:57:00 PM EST
Speaking of those three ho's...have you ever seen such an unrealistic portrayal of working girls!? Good Lord, you'd think they were three happy teenagers on a long picnic. With a beneficen now-now mother hen in charge. And full of love and concern for our little white bread gypsy girl. Man, this is a Disney movie in Spanish.
Rod has decided to invest in a wood enterprise
So, Madame Marlene's?
-blinks innocuously-
Gotta say, as cheesy as the leather mask/no shirt look may be, I was loving it (but I'm kinky like that). Can we just forget about the rest of the novela and switch wholly to the lewd tale of Captain Bond-Juan and his Forty Men?
So, Madame Marlene's?
-blinks innocuously-
Gotta say, as cheesy as the leather mask/no shirt look may be, I was loving it (but I'm kinky like that). Can we just forget about the rest of the novela and switch wholly to the lewd tale of Captain Bond-Juan and his Forty Men?
Gracias, Jardinera! That was a hilarious recap :)
Juan really does just ride around saving everyone's bacon, doesn't he. I was reminded of the description from Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys..."Cowboys like smoky old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings, little warm puppies and children and girls of the night." All he needs now is the dog.
Juan really does just ride around saving everyone's bacon, doesn't he. I was reminded of the description from Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys..."Cowboys like smoky old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings, little warm puppies and children and girls of the night." All he needs now is the dog.
Mornin' all! Seems this computer has a mind of its own and added back in some confusin' stuff I'd edited out. Typos and edits were tended to. So sorry for the confusion.
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JudyB: Sometimes I just don't have a choice. LOL! Mejia's shmaltz is as sweet and sticky as flypaper.
Ya know, since the adult versions of the leads came into this I have these nasty competitive visions of Pirates of Penzance de L'Opéra Comíque & wondering if Mejia was going through "a phase" when he put this confused project together.
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Madbess/Susanlynn: Oh, noes! Were Batman and The Lone Ranger into leather ...toys, too???
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Mad Marley: you are a master of double entendre, amiga. LOL!
Tell ya what, though. My tongue hit the floor when I saw our Juan lying on the beach in that post coital scene with Aimee. I was sorely disappointed that he had on his knickers instead of his birthday suit. What's good enough for FELS should be good enough for CS2009!
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JudyB: Sometimes I just don't have a choice. LOL! Mejia's shmaltz is as sweet and sticky as flypaper.
Ya know, since the adult versions of the leads came into this I have these nasty competitive visions of Pirates of Penzance de L'Opéra Comíque & wondering if Mejia was going through "a phase" when he put this confused project together.
============
Madbess/Susanlynn: Oh, noes! Were Batman and The Lone Ranger into leather ...toys, too???
==============
Mad Marley: you are a master of double entendre, amiga. LOL!
Tell ya what, though. My tongue hit the floor when I saw our Juan lying on the beach in that post coital scene with Aimee. I was sorely disappointed that he had on his knickers instead of his birthday suit. What's good enough for FELS should be good enough for CS2009!
Kat: I was wondering when Juan would start appearing with a halo over his head in every scene.......
Black Heart Jardinera:
Thank you for your wonderful recap. You got me with the idea that Aimee is beautiful but too dumb to get out of the rain. LOL! Sooo true. And now, a rhetorical question for viewerland, how do they keep that hair color from running all over the too-thin dress?
Aha! I put it to you, my friends, that the wig, too is polyester, probably double knit, and the color wouldn't run away on a bet!
And what will happen WHEN Aimee turn's up preggers? Just a guess, now, but I bet that she will develop a sudden passion for Renato, and decide to marry him, and fast.
By the bye, I missed what she is doing with the engagement ring when she is out in public or with Juan...
Love your recaps, as always, Jardinera.
Thank you for your wonderful recap. You got me with the idea that Aimee is beautiful but too dumb to get out of the rain. LOL! Sooo true. And now, a rhetorical question for viewerland, how do they keep that hair color from running all over the too-thin dress?
Aha! I put it to you, my friends, that the wig, too is polyester, probably double knit, and the color wouldn't run away on a bet!
And what will happen WHEN Aimee turn's up preggers? Just a guess, now, but I bet that she will develop a sudden passion for Renato, and decide to marry him, and fast.
By the bye, I missed what she is doing with the engagement ring when she is out in public or with Juan...
Love your recaps, as always, Jardinera.
If you remember, smug little Aimee was reading Flaubert's Madame Bovary on The Love Boat before she met her Savage and was otherwise occupied. I think that she believes that like Madame B. [her role model] she can have her cake and eat it , too. In her little pea brain, she envisions a life with two hombres, Renato who will keep her supplied with parasols and petticoats while her Wild One will provide the thrills and chills. Aimee's creed is : ''I want it all.'' Good luck with that, Honey.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:16:00 PM EDT
: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:16:00 PM EDT
A great recap Jardinera! Boy, Juan is sure quick at stopping all kinds of madness and mayhem. He seems to be able to get around Veracruz as fast as Jack Bauer gets around Los Angeles.
How *does* Aimee do it? All this rolling in the sand with Juan and never a spot on the dress, an irritating grain of sand in a bad spot, or a hair out of place.
Elna June, I'll bet you're right. Aimee will suddenly discover her passion for Renato as soon as she discovers she's got a bun cookin'.
How *does* Aimee do it? All this rolling in the sand with Juan and never a spot on the dress, an irritating grain of sand in a bad spot, or a hair out of place.
Elna June, I'll bet you're right. Aimee will suddenly discover her passion for Renato as soon as she discovers she's got a bun cookin'.
I posted this late ayer, so in case you missed it
We are now in 1875
Juan del Diablo is 27 (he has had a hard life) He looks 49
Renato is 22
The twins 18
We are now in 1875
Juan del Diablo is 27 (he has had a hard life) He looks 49
Renato is 22
The twins 18
Elna June: I figure the ring is probably officially still in its box in the dresser since the "engagement" is supposed to be a secret still.
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Xintperuvian: you're 3 for 3 I'd say. LOL! He does give Jack a run for his money, doesn't he? The midnight swim to the other boat in an ink black ocean ranks right up there.
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Vario: thanks for the repost. Much appreciated!
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Xintperuvian: you're 3 for 3 I'd say. LOL! He does give Jack a run for his money, doesn't he? The midnight swim to the other boat in an ink black ocean ranks right up there.
==============
Vario: thanks for the repost. Much appreciated!
I think it has to be later than 1875. MariadR 'died' in 1851. Means Juan would perhaps have been born in either 1850 or 1851. If now 27, then 1877 or 1878. I see that came from WikiP. If you look earlier in WikiP, we was 12 in 1862, so should be 1877 not 1875.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 5:03:00 PM EDT
: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 5:03:00 PM EDT
Thank you for the amazing recap, Jardinera!
Ages: for the sake of my sanity I chose not to care about the facts. :-) For me Juan's at least 35, and the twins are 20-21.
Mad bess:
"she can have her cake and eat it , too"
Yes, that's exactly what she wants. She's lucky that Juan isn't bright enough to find out who she is and where she lives.
Ages: for the sake of my sanity I chose not to care about the facts. :-) For me Juan's at least 35, and the twins are 20-21.
Mad bess:
"she can have her cake and eat it , too"
Yes, that's exactly what she wants. She's lucky that Juan isn't bright enough to find out who she is and where she lives.
Aribeth: hard to believe you're watching this in a different country! Ah, Mme. Bovary. One of the most depressing slogs I ever took. (My apologies to M. Flaubert.) --I wonder if Aimee knew how rich Juan really was if she'd really leave her family for him. I also wonder, provided Juan weren't MdR's son but still had a similar past and origen, would Rodrigo be prejudiced enough not to allow her to marry him, or would Juan's fortune override that?
Jardinera: :-) I know a few people in Hungary who also follow the novela, they're fans of either Yo compro esa mujer, or Helena Rojo.
"if she'd really leave her family for him"
Maybe, but I'm not sure about it. She performs the role of the carefree, progressive, enlightened wild child perfectly, but as a matter of fact she's dependent on the judgement of society and daddy's & auntie's support. Making out with an inferior, low-class alpha male secretly is fun, but marrying him openly is very risky. I think in Renato she sees not only the promise of a comfortable, rich life but also assurance of a higher social status.
And imho Rodrigo'd never allow her precious little redhead to marry a man like Juan. In Yo compro the matter of social differences was an important storyline - Aldama represented the self-made rich businessmen, while the Montes de Ocas were members of the pride old aristocracy.
"if she'd really leave her family for him"
Maybe, but I'm not sure about it. She performs the role of the carefree, progressive, enlightened wild child perfectly, but as a matter of fact she's dependent on the judgement of society and daddy's & auntie's support. Making out with an inferior, low-class alpha male secretly is fun, but marrying him openly is very risky. I think in Renato she sees not only the promise of a comfortable, rich life but also assurance of a higher social status.
And imho Rodrigo'd never allow her precious little redhead to marry a man like Juan. In Yo compro the matter of social differences was an important storyline - Aldama represented the self-made rich businessmen, while the Montes de Ocas were members of the pride old aristocracy.
Black heart Jardinera another wonderful recap and i'm using my firefox browser and the whole recap is black?
Permalink posted by : Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 9:21:00 PM EDT
: Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 9:21:00 PM EDT
Anon. 3/14 9:21pm -- Amiga! Happy to hear it! I figure a lot of savvier bloggers than us sent Firefox techs the word and they finally corrected it. My son was gratified to know he'd helped solve the mystery.
; ? )
; ? )
Sorry to be so late in commenting, Jardinera Black Heart, but we've been dealing with a few rain issues out here in NJ. That roof repair hubby and I were going to do a spring ago, well, it done sprung a leak or two in the horrendous weather we've been having. So, next clear day, we'll be up there with buckets of tar, but in the meantime, we're in here with just plain buckets.
I gotta say the best thing about the weekends is your recaps! You just keep gettin' better and better. But on one thing we disagree—Madame Bovary. I can't tell you how many times I've read it—every couple of years or so until I turned 50. I guess it's time to try it again, but things have changed, so to speak, and I wonder if I'll feel quite the same empathy for the poor lady's plight. It is a grim story, I admit.
JudyB's right, this is a Disney movie. How else would they get that casino built in what? a day? And our adorable threesome of ho's in matching pastel (polyester) undergarment ensembles. Pink, Blue and Yellow.
thanks again, AgnesNJ
I gotta say the best thing about the weekends is your recaps! You just keep gettin' better and better. But on one thing we disagree—Madame Bovary. I can't tell you how many times I've read it—every couple of years or so until I turned 50. I guess it's time to try it again, but things have changed, so to speak, and I wonder if I'll feel quite the same empathy for the poor lady's plight. It is a grim story, I admit.
JudyB's right, this is a Disney movie. How else would they get that casino built in what? a day? And our adorable threesome of ho's in matching pastel (polyester) undergarment ensembles. Pink, Blue and Yellow.
thanks again, AgnesNJ
Lady: Hey, AgnesNJ! Sorry to hear about the leaks. Hopefully you'll get a reprieve soon. We've had so much rain here also and where I live, that means the ants come in looking for dry land and a free lunch! Ishhh!
As for Mme. Bovary, well, I guess it was just not my year at college to be reading that kind of grim is all. ; ? ) Lots of bad memories..... Honestly, I tried to do the lady justice by reading it again but just couldn't. You have my unending admiration! I am totally in awe, amiga.
As for Mme. Bovary, well, I guess it was just not my year at college to be reading that kind of grim is all. ; ? ) Lots of bad memories..... Honestly, I tried to do the lady justice by reading it again but just couldn't. You have my unending admiration! I am totally in awe, amiga.
Thanks once again Black Heart Jardinera and also to your son i know what to do in the future muchas gracias amiga.
Agnes i live in NJ too and my cable signal was out until about 7:00pm, it's ok since i have my computer and i'm always on it anyway, yes the weather has been terrible the last couple of days a lot of trees and branches are down.
Agnes i live in NJ too and my cable signal was out until about 7:00pm, it's ok since i have my computer and i'm always on it anyway, yes the weather has been terrible the last couple of days a lot of trees and branches are down.
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 12:15:00 AM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 12:15:00 AM EDT
We've had a lot of rain here, too, in the last few days. The whole weekend was gray and wet. However, after today, they are predicting sunny skies and temps in the high 50s and low 60s. My crocuses are pushing up and the forsythia is budding. I am so ready to be outdoors . Off to work. Hope everyone has a good day.
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:09:00 AM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:09:00 AM EDT
Thank you, thank you to Connie & Black Heart Jardinera. Two days of recaps & I'm ready for tonight. Very VERY funny stuff, you two, & much better than the broadcasted lunacy. Snarkmeters are almost at full tilt!
Who brings a kid along on a pirate raid? The one guy you don't want to ever adopt a child: I-Juan-A-Brain. Look at this way...no self-respecting adult would willingly wear a diaper in public.
I'll check back later to read thru the comments...gotta get to work!
ciao,
Maggarita
:-(
Who brings a kid along on a pirate raid? The one guy you don't want to ever adopt a child: I-Juan-A-Brain. Look at this way...no self-respecting adult would willingly wear a diaper in public.
I'll check back later to read thru the comments...gotta get to work!
ciao,
Maggarita
:-(
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:43:00 AM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:43:00 AM EDT
Great recap Jardinera. I didn't get to see this episode but I might just FF to the end where we have the pirate scene.
What I find a little silly is that Juan and Aimee can have these fast little trysts. Look at all the clothing she wears especially the corset. You couldn't get in and out of that get-up quickly. And to show up back at the house carrying it in your hand? That's just a little crazy.
What I find a little silly is that Juan and Aimee can have these fast little trysts. Look at all the clothing she wears especially the corset. You couldn't get in and out of that get-up quickly. And to show up back at the house carrying it in your hand? That's just a little crazy.
Great recap, Jardinera.
I agree with Maggarita about bringing a kid on a pirate raid. Notice that nobody actually got killed. But they could have.
And what exactly was the point of this raid anyway? Wasn't Juan mad at the local guys, backed up by the sheriff, who weren't paying enough for fish? But he attacked the gun runners, who were going to deliver guns to Fulgencio, something Juan knows nothing about, right?
Okay, who owns the casino/whorehouse? If Gabe was the host, doesn't that mean Juan owns it? So how did he and Marlene get that set up so fast? And why couldn't the ho's come downstairs?
It's starting to feel a bit like FELS, in that you could never figure out where things were located, and there were always these big gaps in logic. Oh well.
I'm secretly hoping Feddie just goes ahead and shoots Aimee.
I agree with Maggarita about bringing a kid on a pirate raid. Notice that nobody actually got killed. But they could have.
And what exactly was the point of this raid anyway? Wasn't Juan mad at the local guys, backed up by the sheriff, who weren't paying enough for fish? But he attacked the gun runners, who were going to deliver guns to Fulgencio, something Juan knows nothing about, right?
Okay, who owns the casino/whorehouse? If Gabe was the host, doesn't that mean Juan owns it? So how did he and Marlene get that set up so fast? And why couldn't the ho's come downstairs?
It's starting to feel a bit like FELS, in that you could never figure out where things were located, and there were always these big gaps in logic. Oh well.
I'm secretly hoping Feddie just goes ahead and shoots Aimee.
Thank you so much for the scintillating and sparkling recap Black Heart Jardinera- you are the reining Rogue Pirate Queen of the high seas in my book!
So, what is with Juan's diaper? I know the costumer must take some liberties, to show off as much of EY's body as possible during a conservative period of history, but... what the heck??? To be fair, men's long underwear/ back flapped long johns during this period in history likely wouldn't have been much of a sight better. Maybe if his characters said he'd had these drawers specially made for him in Paris (...by a monkey?) they would be somewhat less distracting knowing these drawers were a special item just for him...? Sigh
Another useless FYI underwear tidbit (you might wanna know anyway)... pastel colored ladies undergarments are credited as first being seen in the Edwardian era, to famed designer for aristocrats, "Lucile" designer, Lady Duff Gordon. (LDG was one of the Titanic's most famous survivors. She's also portrayed in the James Cameron movie version wearing a wild, avante guard ensemble in the dining room. You might recall that Kate points out (in the film) that LDG was known for making naughty underwear for the royals...)
From the clothing it appears that they are depicting c.1877-1879. (1875 has very different styling.) And I agree Connie, taking off the ladies clothing/ corsets did require much time, very concentrated effort (and usually a lady's maid). One walking boot alone could have 30 tiny buttons! Stepping on the front of a skirt while pulling it up usually results in a tear of skirt or lace pleats.
I just find it hard to believe that our brawn Juan could have dainty little paws enough to close tiny buttons or corset ties! I just want to see him try. : D
Lisa de Saint Helena
So, what is with Juan's diaper? I know the costumer must take some liberties, to show off as much of EY's body as possible during a conservative period of history, but... what the heck??? To be fair, men's long underwear/ back flapped long johns during this period in history likely wouldn't have been much of a sight better. Maybe if his characters said he'd had these drawers specially made for him in Paris (...by a monkey?) they would be somewhat less distracting knowing these drawers were a special item just for him...? Sigh
Another useless FYI underwear tidbit (you might wanna know anyway)... pastel colored ladies undergarments are credited as first being seen in the Edwardian era, to famed designer for aristocrats, "Lucile" designer, Lady Duff Gordon. (LDG was one of the Titanic's most famous survivors. She's also portrayed in the James Cameron movie version wearing a wild, avante guard ensemble in the dining room. You might recall that Kate points out (in the film) that LDG was known for making naughty underwear for the royals...)
From the clothing it appears that they are depicting c.1877-1879. (1875 has very different styling.) And I agree Connie, taking off the ladies clothing/ corsets did require much time, very concentrated effort (and usually a lady's maid). One walking boot alone could have 30 tiny buttons! Stepping on the front of a skirt while pulling it up usually results in a tear of skirt or lace pleats.
I just find it hard to believe that our brawn Juan could have dainty little paws enough to close tiny buttons or corset ties! I just want to see him try. : D
Lisa de Saint Helena
Thank you so much for the scintillating and sparkling recap Black Heart Jardinera- you are the reining Rogue Pirate Queen of the high seas in my book!
So, what is with Juan's diaper? I know the costumer must take some liberties, to show off as much of EY's body as possible during a conservative period of history, but... what the heck??? To be fair, men's long underwear/ back flapped long johns during this period in history likely wouldn't have been much of a sight better. Maybe if his characters said he'd had these drawers specially made for him in Paris (...by a monkey?) they would be somewhat less distracting knowing these drawers were a special item just for him...? Sigh
Another useless FYI underwear tidbit (you might wanna know anyway)... pastel colored ladies undergarments are credited as first being seen in the Edwardian era, to famed designer for aristocrats, "Lucile" designer, Lady Duff Gordon. (LDG was one of the Titanic's most famous survivors. She's also portrayed in the James Cameron movie version wearing a wild, avante guard ensemble in the dining room. You might recall that Kate points out (in the film) that LDG was known for making naughty underwear for the royals...)
From the clothing it appears that they are depicting c.1877-1879. (1875 has very different styling.) And I agree Connie, taking off the ladies clothing/ corsets did require much time, very concentrated effort (and usually a lady's maid). One walking boot alone could have 30 tiny buttons! Stepping on the front of a skirt while pulling it up usually results in a tear of skirt or lace pleats.
I just find it hard to believe that our brawn Juan could have dainty little paws enough to close tiny buttons or corset ties! I just want to see him try once. : D
Lisa de Saint Helena
So, what is with Juan's diaper? I know the costumer must take some liberties, to show off as much of EY's body as possible during a conservative period of history, but... what the heck??? To be fair, men's long underwear/ back flapped long johns during this period in history likely wouldn't have been much of a sight better. Maybe if his characters said he'd had these drawers specially made for him in Paris (...by a monkey?) they would be somewhat less distracting knowing these drawers were a special item just for him...? Sigh
Another useless FYI underwear tidbit (you might wanna know anyway)... pastel colored ladies undergarments are credited as first being seen in the Edwardian era, to famed designer for aristocrats, "Lucile" designer, Lady Duff Gordon. (LDG was one of the Titanic's most famous survivors. She's also portrayed in the James Cameron movie version wearing a wild, avante guard ensemble in the dining room. You might recall that Kate points out (in the film) that LDG was known for making naughty underwear for the royals...)
From the clothing it appears that they are depicting c.1877-1879. (1875 has very different styling.) And I agree Connie, taking off the ladies clothing/ corsets did require much time, very concentrated effort (and usually a lady's maid). One walking boot alone could have 30 tiny buttons! Stepping on the front of a skirt while pulling it up usually results in a tear of skirt or lace pleats.
I just find it hard to believe that our brawn Juan could have dainty little paws enough to close tiny buttons or corset ties! I just want to see him try once. : D
Lisa de Saint Helena
Hombre, I'm also confused by why the three ho's couldn't come downstairs. I was also confused as to why Magda visited Rod. This time she didn’t hide her face as much. Then I concocted this possibility, welcoming anyone to set me straight. Magda dropped in on Rod to invite him to the casino, but kept the girls upstairs so he wouldn’t recognize them as the group from the boat. But why did she invite him over if she’s trying to avoid him recognizing her. Someone, help!
I know we have to accept that this is going to be a cheesy TN, but I couldn’t help comparing Juan’s swinging across the boat on a rope to a similar scene in Pasion.
Compared to FC, EY was a wrecking ball! I thought he was going to knock everyone over along with half the set!
I know we have to accept that this is going to be a cheesy TN, but I couldn’t help comparing Juan’s swinging across the boat on a rope to a similar scene in Pasion.
Compared to FC, EY was a wrecking ball! I thought he was going to knock everyone over along with half the set!
Jardinera: Sparkling and sassy as always. Laughed out loud at "Juan, just get Gabe to follow her, you putz!). So many great lines...thank you!
Not only is Aimee able to frolick without any wardrobe malfunction but her timing in juggling her 2 galans is impeccable.
Enjoyed all the comments too.
Diana
Not only is Aimee able to frolick without any wardrobe malfunction but her timing in juggling her 2 galans is impeccable.
Enjoyed all the comments too.
Diana
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 1:12:00 PM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 1:12:00 PM EDT
Hombre, I had the exact same thought about the Casino - if Gabe is playing host, then Juan owns it? Unless... in the runaway carriage scene, Juan made a deal with Mdme M to pose as the owner to help her hide her identity? She and her girls pretended to be "proper ladies" on the ship. It appears they are attempting to keep the ruse going in Veracruz as well re the scene with Fifi and Fed on the sidewalk. Maybe when Juan was telling Gabe to "just have fun because it's only for a short time" Juan was telling him about the casino hosting gig.
Lisa, thanks for the costume tidbits. I adore this stuff. You're right about the shoebuttons. My grandmother kept an old ivory handled button hook on her dresser from those days. They also often had a removable dust ruffle attached under the hem for walking in the street.
The bustles are starting to get rather large toward the rear in this period (think La Grande Jatte) and getting dressed did usually require the assistance of a lady's maid. In case you missed it, I posted an excerpt from my grandmother's memoirs about getting dressed for the ball. Sewing machines were starting to come into use, but these elaborate outfits with all the lace & ruching and insertions, etc. etc. were most likely made entirely by hand.
--AgnesNJ
The bustles are starting to get rather large toward the rear in this period (think La Grande Jatte) and getting dressed did usually require the assistance of a lady's maid. In case you missed it, I posted an excerpt from my grandmother's memoirs about getting dressed for the ball. Sewing machines were starting to come into use, but these elaborate outfits with all the lace & ruching and insertions, etc. etc. were most likely made entirely by hand.
--AgnesNJ
Lisa de Saint Helena:
Thank you so much for the wardrobe info. I just love having your insider knowledge here on the Board. OK, a question. What about the millions of women who did not have a lady's maid? Did they not wear corsets? Did a corset have a sort of shelf for the "girls"?
Were all these wardrobe restrictions part of the whole Victorian conservatism? Over all, what with hoops and corsets and shoes that required button hooks to remove, I am guessing there was not a lot of "Splendor in the Grass" or other spontaneity regarding lovemaking. Didn't folks who dressed like this sort of have to "get a room"?
Iron Elna O'Velvet, shaking her head in wonder...
Thank you so much for the wardrobe info. I just love having your insider knowledge here on the Board. OK, a question. What about the millions of women who did not have a lady's maid? Did they not wear corsets? Did a corset have a sort of shelf for the "girls"?
Were all these wardrobe restrictions part of the whole Victorian conservatism? Over all, what with hoops and corsets and shoes that required button hooks to remove, I am guessing there was not a lot of "Splendor in the Grass" or other spontaneity regarding lovemaking. Didn't folks who dressed like this sort of have to "get a room"?
Iron Elna O'Velvet, shaking her head in wonder...
Thanks for the recap, Jardinera! I finally got caught up on the episodes.
Friday's had some precipitous bits: like the sudden business meeting with the pillar of the community/smuggler; the off-the-wall fishermen/pirate attack; and the gypsy burglary foray, and I thought I had missed something -- but apparently not.
Does anybody have a thought why attacking the gun runners will avenge the injustices by the troops on the beach? That's what Juan said it was supposed to accomplish. Are the troops dependent on smugglers for their arms?
Friday's had some precipitous bits: like the sudden business meeting with the pillar of the community/smuggler; the off-the-wall fishermen/pirate attack; and the gypsy burglary foray, and I thought I had missed something -- but apparently not.
Does anybody have a thought why attacking the gun runners will avenge the injustices by the troops on the beach? That's what Juan said it was supposed to accomplish. Are the troops dependent on smugglers for their arms?
Great recaps, Connie and Jardinera! Great fun with the "secrets" theme and all the fun comments.
I know our guys won't care much about the technical costume details, but I'm having fun with them. Lisa, your description of Juan's "monkey-made drawers" made me smile. Putting a corset back on would indeed be difficult. Toting it home dangling from one hand raises another set of problems. Those dresses were tailored to fit the corseted body, so the fit might be too tight to wear without it.
Elna June was wondering about opportunities for hanky-panky while wearing all those clothes. Wealthy society women changed clothes several times during the day, and in Edwardian times, they might put on a tea gown in the late afternoon. It was loose fitting and ideal for a little afternoon delight with a gentleman caller. House parties in country mansions were also notorious for affairs. It's possible that a lady's maid might be involved in re-dressing her mistress.
Jardinera, the bitches maxima and minima are too funny.
La Paloma
I know our guys won't care much about the technical costume details, but I'm having fun with them. Lisa, your description of Juan's "monkey-made drawers" made me smile. Putting a corset back on would indeed be difficult. Toting it home dangling from one hand raises another set of problems. Those dresses were tailored to fit the corseted body, so the fit might be too tight to wear without it.
Elna June was wondering about opportunities for hanky-panky while wearing all those clothes. Wealthy society women changed clothes several times during the day, and in Edwardian times, they might put on a tea gown in the late afternoon. It was loose fitting and ideal for a little afternoon delight with a gentleman caller. House parties in country mansions were also notorious for affairs. It's possible that a lady's maid might be involved in re-dressing her mistress.
Jardinera, the bitches maxima and minima are too funny.
La Paloma
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 4:28:00 PM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 4:28:00 PM EDT
You guys are cracking me up with the three Ho's comment, hey Ho's have feelings too.
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 4:29:00 PM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 4:29:00 PM EDT
Love the title Amiga! Will catch up later but had to say thanks for the laugh as I scrolled down the page after a few days away from the site.
Whenever I think of corsets [which is infrequently] , I picture Scarlet holding on to the bedpost as Mammy pulls on her corset strings. After she had a baby, she was heartbroken to no longer have a 19-inch waist. Que lastima. At this point, let's pause for a little thank you for Spanx abd stretch jeans. I would consider wearing a ''tea gown.'' I love clothing. I've watched ''Marie Antoinette'' and ''The Age of Innocence'' several times just to see the gorgeous dresses. The other night, I saw a great show called ''Valentino: The Last Emperor.'' He made such beautiful gowns for so many famous women. It's a shame that he has retired. In the show, it was mentionned that all his runway gowns were sewn by hand by a legion of seasoned seamstresses.
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 5:32:00 PM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 5:32:00 PM EDT
I love all the costume info also. So thanks for that Lisa. And then there is the hair...I know how long it takes me to french braid my hair so I can only imagine how long it takes to make those elaborate hairdos.
Lady Xoc your Grandmother's memoirs are fascinating! I especially liked the part about the Garde Civique having metal lined pockets so they could take treats home from the banquets. How funny!
LadyXoc: Agnes, I just read your grandmother's memoir and it was such an interesting slice of life! My gramps was born about the same time, but in Russia. He emigrated around 1906 to the U.S.
BTW, I also peeked at your florals. I absolutely love them!!! Would you mind if I downloaded a few for wallpaper on my computer? Or is that a no-no in the professional art world?
BTW, I also peeked at your florals. I absolutely love them!!! Would you mind if I downloaded a few for wallpaper on my computer? Or is that a no-no in the professional art world?
Jeri: Hey there! I wondered where you'd gone. ; ? ) Maybe Juan plans to sell off the boat and its contents somewhere else and share the profits with the fishermen. I don't believe he has any idea there are guns hidden in those crates. Hubby told me the guns were probably being sold to the anti-government revolutionaries. Fully will be hoppin' mad, though!
What's this cat's name? Do you still have the brown striped little guy?
What's this cat's name? Do you still have the brown striped little guy?
Lisa/La Paloma/LadyXoc: Thanks for all the period costuming input. Wow! It's just amazing the knowledge folks on this blog have! It is one of the things that makes this place so much fun to be a part of. ~ 8 > )
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Connie: What a nifty comment about the corsets. Glad you mentioned that!
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Beth: I thought that Rod invited Magda on the boat and for some reason she had to accept. Probably her need to see her daughter overcame her fear he'd recognize her. He found out about the casino's grand opening by chance from taking that flier from the little boy on the street who was handing them out to everyone.// Loved your wrecking ball image! LOL!
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Cheryl: Glad you made it by. : > }
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Maggarita/Hombre: ITA. I would never have thought to bring a little kid on an armed raid! D.U.M.B. and a bit on the dangerous side.
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Connie: What a nifty comment about the corsets. Glad you mentioned that!
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Beth: I thought that Rod invited Magda on the boat and for some reason she had to accept. Probably her need to see her daughter overcame her fear he'd recognize her. He found out about the casino's grand opening by chance from taking that flier from the little boy on the street who was handing them out to everyone.// Loved your wrecking ball image! LOL!
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Cheryl: Glad you made it by. : > }
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Maggarita/Hombre: ITA. I would never have thought to bring a little kid on an armed raid! D.U.M.B. and a bit on the dangerous side.
Apologies about all the clothing comments fellas... just have a few tidbits to share. Makes the time frame easier to understand if everyone is sure how all the parts go together. : )
Loved your wonderful memoir about your grandmother Lady Xoc...it truly was great. If it wasn't for my grandmothers (both of them) I wouldn't have a love for textiles and costume. My intro was, "Gone with the wind" in 3rd grade. One grandmother and I must have bought it and watched it about 20 times, and it stuck. : )
As you know, not all women were wealthy or had maids Elna June Sonoma, and so their clothing usually reflected their economic status. Their clothing were often somewhat simplified versions of wealthier women's clothing that they could deal with themselves (or hubby/ family.). Some clothing had front closing bodices, side closing skirts without multiple layers of ruffles, no trains, home made bustles, simple and inexpensive trims, etc. and La Paloma, you are so right about tea gowns!
There were many types of corsets. Some corsets definitely have the girls tatas "shelf" as you most delicately put it Elna june Sonoma. Many ladies just wore under-bust corsets with fitted camisoles under bodices in this period and that was that. There were also things for the (ahem) somewhat less endowed called, "Bust Extenders."
Bust Extenders were bust pads could be built into bodices or a special camisole made of horsehair, down, rubber or cotton wadding, along other things. (Many a man got a surprise on his wedding night!!!)
Connie, few women could manage their own hairstyling... Maids or family usually helped along with a large commerce in purchased human hair pieces, gathered hair rats (from the brushes of one's own hair) and all kinds of wigs, etc.
It is so beautiful to look at these novellas and appreciate all the work done. Even imagine the discomforts of the actors that they had to endure behind the scenes! Corsets, underclothes, dresses that weigh 10-20 lbs...and kissing EY- makes for a long, hot , steamy day. : )
Lady Lisa de Saint Helena
Loved your wonderful memoir about your grandmother Lady Xoc...it truly was great. If it wasn't for my grandmothers (both of them) I wouldn't have a love for textiles and costume. My intro was, "Gone with the wind" in 3rd grade. One grandmother and I must have bought it and watched it about 20 times, and it stuck. : )
As you know, not all women were wealthy or had maids Elna June Sonoma, and so their clothing usually reflected their economic status. Their clothing were often somewhat simplified versions of wealthier women's clothing that they could deal with themselves (or hubby/ family.). Some clothing had front closing bodices, side closing skirts without multiple layers of ruffles, no trains, home made bustles, simple and inexpensive trims, etc. and La Paloma, you are so right about tea gowns!
There were many types of corsets. Some corsets definitely have the girls tatas "shelf" as you most delicately put it Elna june Sonoma. Many ladies just wore under-bust corsets with fitted camisoles under bodices in this period and that was that. There were also things for the (ahem) somewhat less endowed called, "Bust Extenders."
Bust Extenders were bust pads could be built into bodices or a special camisole made of horsehair, down, rubber or cotton wadding, along other things. (Many a man got a surprise on his wedding night!!!)
Connie, few women could manage their own hairstyling... Maids or family usually helped along with a large commerce in purchased human hair pieces, gathered hair rats (from the brushes of one's own hair) and all kinds of wigs, etc.
It is so beautiful to look at these novellas and appreciate all the work done. Even imagine the discomforts of the actors that they had to endure behind the scenes! Corsets, underclothes, dresses that weigh 10-20 lbs...and kissing EY- makes for a long, hot , steamy day. : )
Lady Lisa de Saint Helena
Jardinera, that's Wilbur in the picture. He moved with us to the western burbs from Chicago, where he came to us courtesy of the mean alleys there. He's about 13 now, I think.
You must be talking about Rocky -- the window watcher, who scared me, getting out that time? LOL. The noveleras were so kind to me in my hours of worry. Both boyz are doing great, thank you. :-) They are good pals to us.
Yeah, see, I don't know how Juan even knew about the ship, let alone any guns. They must be cutting stuff; Friday's episode had that feeling.
When the gypsy king hopped over the patio banister, I had no idea what was going on. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
You must be talking about Rocky -- the window watcher, who scared me, getting out that time? LOL. The noveleras were so kind to me in my hours of worry. Both boyz are doing great, thank you. :-) They are good pals to us.
Yeah, see, I don't know how Juan even knew about the ship, let alone any guns. They must be cutting stuff; Friday's episode had that feeling.
When the gypsy king hopped over the patio banister, I had no idea what was going on. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Oh, yes, I was surprised when Rodrigo offered to tutear a near-stranger. They were really pushing it on that.
Lisa, I remember seeing a long time ago on Univision a Televisa behind-the-scenes special where they showed how novelas de epoca were produced, going to the costume shop, etc. They have a raft of people making sure things are authentic, and they care about it a lot, apparently.
It's been interesting, watching Latin American historical costume styles over these years I've been watching novelas. One of my favorites was and is "Alondra." They made dresses for Alondra that were such knockouts.
Lisa, I remember seeing a long time ago on Univision a Televisa behind-the-scenes special where they showed how novelas de epoca were produced, going to the costume shop, etc. They have a raft of people making sure things are authentic, and they care about it a lot, apparently.
It's been interesting, watching Latin American historical costume styles over these years I've been watching novelas. One of my favorites was and is "Alondra." They made dresses for Alondra that were such knockouts.
Jeri: I was stumped myself about how Juan knew about this boat being the bad guys', too. Hubby even wondered if this novela had a big bunch edited out because he felt there were numerous scenes when the conversations were disconnected from the plot at times. Cutting away to Dagger Guy was just strange and meaningless. It came out of nowhere.
I told him they must have edited for U.S. broadcast. He says probably due to the number of commercials up here. I can understand editing, but why can't it be more of the useless, nonsensical stuff instead of conversations that give the viewer a proper continuity? Fushi!
I told him they must have edited for U.S. broadcast. He says probably due to the number of commercials up here. I can understand editing, but why can't it be more of the useless, nonsensical stuff instead of conversations that give the viewer a proper continuity? Fushi!
Great recap Jardinera. I'm starting to get behind you, it's getting to the episode where I stopped watching but I still enjoy all your takes on the recaps and the comments here.
Jeri I loved "Alondra" too, that novela was Carla Estrada's first novela de época. Did you know the actress who played Alondra also played Aimée in the '93 version or CZ?
Here's the credits of that novela just to remember how pretty it was.
I think in the case of CZ, Mejía was in a rush when he started pre-producing the novela. He didn't have enough time to put the needed care for authenticity.
It has been mentioned here that people believe Carla Estrada had a bigger budget, but that is not the case. Carla simply takes more time to start preparing a project and she knows how to use her budget. I think Mejía is less interested in details and prefers to go for what looks good to him. That's why such obvious problems like the timeline happen here.
Jarocha
Jeri I loved "Alondra" too, that novela was Carla Estrada's first novela de época. Did you know the actress who played Alondra also played Aimée in the '93 version or CZ?
Here's the credits of that novela just to remember how pretty it was.
I think in the case of CZ, Mejía was in a rush when he started pre-producing the novela. He didn't have enough time to put the needed care for authenticity.
It has been mentioned here that people believe Carla Estrada had a bigger budget, but that is not the case. Carla simply takes more time to start preparing a project and she knows how to use her budget. I think Mejía is less interested in details and prefers to go for what looks good to him. That's why such obvious problems like the timeline happen here.
Jarocha
Permalink posted by : Monday, March 15, 2010 at 8:13:00 PM EDT
: Monday, March 15, 2010 at 8:13:00 PM EDT
Jarocha, thanks for the link to Alondra. I may just have to buy it for myself. I notice it's not just Carla Estrada, but also Monica Miguel. Brilliant!
Lisa, where would we be without our grandmothers? Mine taught me to sew when I was a gangly 10-yr old who wouldn't fit anything in the stores. She learned all the fine handwork that ladies of her time were expected to do in the drawing room (because idle hands were the devil's workshop) so their eyes would be properly downcast when gentlemen came to call. Of course, the war took care of all that gentility and her manual skills served her well on the streets of New York in the '20s when she ended up sewing trousseaux for the likes of Mrs. Vanderbilt and Clare Booth Luce.
Jardinera, I'm flattered that you like the flower paintings. I would be foolish to say No, being that those jpegs are up there for anyone to snatch. So snatch away, and enjoy!
Lisa, where would we be without our grandmothers? Mine taught me to sew when I was a gangly 10-yr old who wouldn't fit anything in the stores. She learned all the fine handwork that ladies of her time were expected to do in the drawing room (because idle hands were the devil's workshop) so their eyes would be properly downcast when gentlemen came to call. Of course, the war took care of all that gentility and her manual skills served her well on the streets of New York in the '20s when she ended up sewing trousseaux for the likes of Mrs. Vanderbilt and Clare Booth Luce.
Jardinera, I'm flattered that you like the flower paintings. I would be foolish to say No, being that those jpegs are up there for anyone to snatch. So snatch away, and enjoy!
Jarocha, I actually saw "Alondra" before CS '93; so I knew and liked Ana Colchero already. She was a lovely girl.
Lady: Agnes, thanks, I will! BTW, I have a print of La Grande Jatte, among others, we got when we went to Paris one summer.
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Jarocha: I hope this means you will continue to watch live with us once it catches up to the point you left the show before. Hubby enjoys the backgrounders I relay to him through you about the productions.
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Diana/Cielo: Didn't mean to skip over you, but seems I did. Always glad I can put a sparkle into the weekend for you two, as well!
; > )
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Jarocha: I hope this means you will continue to watch live with us once it catches up to the point you left the show before. Hubby enjoys the backgrounders I relay to him through you about the productions.
=========
Diana/Cielo: Didn't mean to skip over you, but seems I did. Always glad I can put a sparkle into the weekend for you two, as well!
; > )
Here I am, late for the boat as usual. Jardinera, an absolutely superior recap, loved it. I thought this was a fun episode made even more fun through your recap. Thank you!
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