Heros, Lovers and Others: The Story of Latinos in Hollywood

by Clara E. Rodríguez

Heroes, Lovers, and Others tells the fascinating history of Latino actors in American film from the silent era to today. Rodriguez examines such Latino legends as Desi Arnaz, Dolores del Rio, Rita Hayworth, Raquel Welch, Anthony Quinn, Selma Hayek, and Antonio Banderas. More than just a
collection of celebrity stories, the book explores the attitudes, cultural conditions, and assumptions that influenced the portrayal of Latinos in film as well as their reception by the public. Heroes, Lovers, and Others is a comprehensive volume packed with carefully researched information and
analysis for both students and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. Honestly, I expected much more from it. It is basically a bunch of biographies of Latino stars from the beginning of film in the silent era to contemporary times. I would have like more analysis of film periods, movies that these stars were a part of, and the evolution of the roles Latinos played over time- going from Latin Lover to the Bad Guy to the Fiesty Dangerous Woman. Why did these roles change and evolve? What was going on in film history and history in general that effected Latino experience in Hollywood? There are moments when Rodriguez attempts to answer some of these questions, but she chooses to do so only when it suits her and does it in a way that is unsatisfying and wrong (she gives inaccurate historical information). I feel like the book should either be analytical and historical all the time or not at all. Additionally, her biography of Jennifer Lopez is curiously laudatory. After reading this, you'd think J.LO was an Oscar worthy actress. But the reality is that she is NOT. She's pretty bad. You'd never get that from this book.

On the other hand, it does have value in that it has a nice set of bios of Latino stars in one place. It acts as a reference book and a stepping-stone for readers who are interested in learning more about a particular actor or film period. Also, the photos in the book are absolutely magnificent.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there had been more depth to this. The topic is great, and I learned of individuals I had never read or heard about before, but it felt like there was something missing. Parts of the book seemed like mini biographies and other parts were analysis of the eras. The two can go together, but I'm just not sure they blended quite right this time. It also wasn't the most riveting writing I've encountered lately. The topic is worth study, and this book does an okay job of it. I just feel like it's a lot more interesting than it ended up being as written here. I suppose I just wanted more than I was given.

[Arci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does a good job at going through the era's and the latino actors/actresses during that time. However, the author does a poor job in the modern era. Maria Conchita Alonso was an important star but only mentioned in less than 2 sentences. Some actors/actresses were barely mentioned while the author dedicated 9 pages to Jennifer Lopez. It definitely made it seem like favoritism was being shown when the other actors/actresses that were included in the book had about half a page to a page. Overall, the book was ok, but it was rushed at the end.

[Jeanine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a great read to round out understanding immigration and even the history of our boundaries in this country. And of course, the history of our favorite movie stars! The book is clearly written, even if it is a bit essay-ish.

[Elvia Limon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative.