Río de la muerte (1979)

movie

Country: Mexico
Genres: Adventure, Romance
Release: 1979-08-23
Director: José Ullóa
Writers: Ramón Obón
Language: Spanish
Stars: Jorge Rivero , Rosita Bouchot , Silvia Manríquez , Verónica Miriel , Frank Moro
Runtime: 92 min
Awards: N/A
AKA: Río de la muerte (Mexico) , Río de la muerte
Plot: Rio de la Muerte: La Carrera de los Sexos is your run of the mill Jorge Rivero action adventure. He is, though, perhaps a little more subdued in this picture for the most part. The movie speeds along at a fast pace, but the main problem of this speed boat race picture is, who is in what boat? If you can't determine that, the race loses its importance. The main plot, though, is rivalry and romance. The action starts out at San Juan, Puerto Rico. While the credits are rolling we view a dune buggy competition. This sets the tone for the rapid pace that will continue. It's Roberto(Jorge Rivero) vs Leticia(Veronica Miriel). This then is the introduction to the 2 main characters. Others are in dune buggy's as well, all laughing and having a good time. We are reminded at this point of the Frankie & Annette "Beach Party" movies as well as Elvis' race car pics. The difference being, the added violence here. Soon after the race is over someone turns on a TV and there is one of their buddies, Fernando(Frank Moro, here playing a host of a Puerto Rican TV show, which is in reality how he became known early in his career). Well the lively bunch has got to go down to the studio to see him! The show that's winding up features an attractive young woman in brief attire performing a dance. This is the 1st of many dance scenes interspersed throughout. Fernando is elated to see his rambunctious pals. Soon we are at Roberto's apartment where Fernando has arranged a surprise party, much to the chagrin of Roberto. More dancing, a key in the hat game and the continuing rocky relationship between Leticia and Roberto. At this point it is established that they are more rivals than friends. Soon talk of the Mexican "Rio Balsas" speed boat marathon comes up. Leticia challenges Roberto, and he accepts. In the next scene they are racing again, she on a motorcycle and he with his dune buggy again. This time, though, Roberto has had enough of her confrontational ways. He runs her into the water where she collapses. When she struggles to her feet he kisses her, then pushes her back in. This sequence is repeated twice. What happens next was edited out. Next scene, the women pile into their car and the men in the dune buggy and its off to the streets. This go around, the women cut off their rivals, not only getting them into an accident, but sending them before the local judge as well. But not to worry, Fernando's father calls and gets them off. Soon everyone goes on board an Eastern Airline plane headed for Mexico. We get a nice aerial view of among other landmarks, "El Monumento a la Revolucion" and "Palace of Fine Arts". Almost immediately begins the boat preparations at Rio Balsas. The bad guys are introduced, and the monumental race, done in stages is soon under way. Much time, not surprisingly, is spent showing the actual race, either in close-up or long shot. Except for some slow motion and a brief use of split screen, it's mostly handled pretty routinely. When the race comes to a halt each night we are given some scenes of drama, dancing, and character development. The bad guys, naturally, are after the girls and Roberto and company are trying to keep a close eye on them. We learn that Leticia dealt with trauma in regards to her ex-husband. Fights will take place. When the movie finally draws to a close, are you really concerned who won? The video viewed was cut to 79 minutes and edited even more than the broadcast showing.
IMDB:tt0334271