If you are a Horror film fan, and certainly if you're a Mexican film fan, the name of "Santo" will be familiar to you. Seen any of his films? Well recently a broadcast TV station played, Santo contra la Mafia del Vicio, in prime-time! There is probably a certain mixture that goes into each Santo movie(his last was in 1982)and the plot may not be that important. In this one the wrestler hero has to infiltrate the Mafia and work with a double agent. Are your nerves on end as to whether he will be found out? Here is the mixture that went along with the plot: songs, dances, lots of beautiful women in brief attire, gun fights(with blood spurts), fist fights, explosions, and fun in the sun! Technically,the sound wasn't that great but the color was excellent. The director's credits include many Nostradamus films, a couple of Zorro's and one Dracula. Among the cast is a name that might ring a bell. Elsa Cárdenas has an even more impressive list of credits than the director. Besides Spanish language roles she has also appeared in many American TV series as well as an Elvis movie, Fun in Acapulco(1963) and the classic Western, The Wild Bunch(1969). And what about Santo himself? Yes he does do some pro wrestling in the film. He does get involved in many fights with the bad guys, and doesn't always win. A ladies man? Yes, and there are a few kissing scenes(mask included). Much of the time the Mafia are either at the night club or by the swimming pool! The song and dance numbers are catchy and overall the mixture works to keep the audience happy. As far as votes on the IMDb go, Santo is right up there with Cantinflas and Pedro Infante. One of the most popular title's in the series is, Santo y Blue Demon contra Dracula y el Hombre Lobo(1973).
Review of Santo vs. the Vice Mafia
