"Zoot Suit" (1981)

Fits Just Fine

Elena Fe Walker © 2002

A Luis Valdez Film.

MCA Universal.

© 1991 MCA Home Video

© 1981 Universal City Studios, Inc.

VHS 80769

All right, I'm a sucker for great music, an excellent script, wonderful singing and tight choreography! I love this movie! It's survived the test of time but has a little difficulty jumping over cultural barriers: Even today when there should be greater awareness of the issues concerned. Largely thanks to efforts such as "Zoot Suit" that have educated and informed a culturally diverse society.

Now, this ignorant Aussie had no idea what a Zoot suit was until I went to the Latin American Poetry Reading at the Museum of Latin American Art last year and saw Pepe, resplendent in his red drapes. But then again, I can bet my bottom dollar that most of the people reading this review would have no idea what a "panel van" is either: Cultural icons from opposite ends of the Earth.

For the uninitiated, I can highly recommend a PBS special that went to air in late February. "The American Experience: Zoot Suit Riots" chronicles the true events that inspired the movie. The movie is based on a play by Luis Valdez (also called "Zoot Suit") that reveals and comments on that era: Especially, the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial and consequences. Visit the PBS site for more information and to place "Zoot Suit" in its historical context: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/zoot/

Also, for those interested in reading the original play and exploring more of Valdez's work, there is a book of his plays readily available at Amazon. "Zoot Suit and Other Plays", by Luis Valdez for $11.20.

Or you can head over to his theatrical company's web site at:

http://www.elteatrocampesino.com/

The back cover blurb states: "Part fact and part fiction, "Zoot Suit" is the blistering film version of the Luis Valdez' critically acclaimed play, based on the actual Sleepy Lagoon murder case and the Zoot suit riots of 1940's Los Angeles. Henry Reyna (Daniel Valdez) is the leader of a group of Mexican-Americans being sent to San Quentin without substantial evidence for the death of a man at Sleepy Lagoon. As part of the defense committee, Alice Bloomfield (Tyne Daly) and George Shearer (Charles Aidman) fight the blatant miscarriage of justice for the freedom of Henry and his friends. Featuring a dazzling performance by Edward James Olmos as the mythical "El Pachuco," "Zoot Suit" is an unforgettable blend of action, music, excitement."

Hear! Hear!

Edward James Olmos is breathtaking as the spirit of the Zooters: El Pachuco!

Robert does very little here. He plays a later version of the Zooters, a lowrider. His dad's car has number plates that still proudly proclaim him as a "Zooter". The lowrider, his girlfriend, his Mom (played by Alma Beltran; not a relative apparently) and Dad arrive at the theatre and get seated. The only times we see Robert appear is as the play begins and as it ends. He passes the car keys to the parking attendant and tells him to take it easy then yells again to "Take it easy" as the car growls away. He also sits in the theatre, looks at his Dad and stands and applauds at the end: That's about it for his action! His yelling, chasing and grinning are pretty convincing though. Interesting demonstration of chauvinism as the men climb out of the front seat and the women from the back: The women are left to look after themselves as the men care for their immaculate machine.

An interesting aspect of this production is that this is the first movie shared by Tony Plana and Robert. They were later to co-found the East LA Classic Theater together and work together in other productions such as "Latino", "500 Nations", "Nixon" and "Veronica Clare". Tony plays Rudy, the younger brother of Henry Reyna. The movie leaves you with the impression that Rudy may have been the actual murderer but the evidence presented in "The American Experience: Zoot Suit Riots" didn't support this suggestion. However, it's an interesting twist to the story. It's a great role for a young actor and Tony Plana is strong and impressive. In fact, the entire cast is wonderful, especially Daniel Valdez as Henry and a young Tyne Daly as Alice. I would have liked to see Robert in the role of Henry but I suspect he was simply too young at the time to even be considered (or looked too young, anyway).

I'm not a big fan of musicals but I love a play where the elements of drama, music and dance blend together into a united whole, supporting an excellent cast, script and storyline. I thoroughly recommend "Zoot Suit" to anyone who appreciates the same.

Oh yes. A "panel van" is the Australian version of a pick-up.