User Reviews

A very interesting film. Based on the story of an Argentine-born official who returns to his country for a visit after a long absence in the USA. The principal theme of the film is the current (1963) decadence of Argentina: Many scenes are set on an estancia (estate) in the country that is owned by the descendant of an old wealthy family. His ancestors once hosted the Prince of Wales, but now he is reduced to entertaining groups of American tourists who come for "authentic" gaucho dances. His granddaughter, the Paula of the title, does her part by working for an "escort service." Meanwhile, Argentina modernizes at a furious rate by importing foreign capital as instability rocks the culture. We see clashes between military factions and threats of a coup in the air. There are many critical comments about American tourists, and several good shots of urban Buenos Aires. Music is by the young Astor Piazzola, who gets a few moments of screen time playing his bandoneon. A bit slow in the editing, and more stagy than cinematic, but very much worth watching.