Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film

by Luis I. Reyes, Jimmy Smits (Foreword)

Through an authoritative narrative and lavish photography, this is an in-depth history of the stars, films, achievements, and influence of the Hispanic and Latino community in Hollywood history from the silent era to the present day.Overcoming obstacles of prejudice, ignorance, and stereotyping, this group has given the world some of its most beloved stars and told some of its most indelible stories. Viva Hollywood examines the stars in front of the screen as well as the people behind-the-scenes who have created a rich legacy across more than 100 years.

The role of Latin women on screen is explored through the professional lives of Dolores Del Rio, Rita Hayworth, Raquel Welch, Salma Hayek, Penélope Cruz, and many more. The book covers the films and careers of actors ranging from silent screen idol Antonio Moreno, to international Oscar-winning star Anthony Quinn, to Andy Garcia and Antonio Banderas. A spotlight is also given to craftspeople who elevated the medium with their artistry—visionaries like cinematographer John Alonzo, Citizen Kane scenic artist Mario Larrinaga, and Oscar-winning makeup artist Beatrice de Alba.

The stories of these and many others begins through a lens of stereotyped on-screen personas of Latin Lovers, sexy spitfires, banditos, and gangsters. World War II saw an embrace of Latin culture as the “Good Neighbor Policy” made it both fashionable and patriotic to feature stories set south of the border. Social problem films of the 1950s and '60s brought fresh looks at the community, with performances like Katy Jurado in High Noon, the cast of West Side Story, and racial inequality depicted in George Stevens's Giant. Civil Rights, the Chicano Movement, and the work of activist actors such as Ricardo Montalban and Edward James Olmos influenced further change in Hollywood in subsequent decades and paved the way for modern times and stars the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Illustrated by more than 200 full-color and black-and-white images, Viva Hollywood is both a sweeping history and a celebration of the legacy of some of the greatest art and artists ever captured on screen.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Film, Latinx, Hispanic

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2022

About the author

Luis I. Reyes is a renowned scholar, author, and lecturer who specializes in the history of Latinos in the Hollywood film industry. He is the author or coauthor of several books on film, including Hispanics in Hollywood, Made in Paradise: Hollywood’s Films of Hawaii and the South Seas, and Made in Mexico: Hollywood South of the Border.He has been featured on Turner Classic Movies, CNN, TNT Latin America, NBC, Good Morning America, and NPR’s Latino USA. His articles on film have appeared in DGA Quarterly, Hawaii magazine, the Los Angeles Times and the Oakland Tribune. Reyes lives in Pasadena, CA.

Reviews

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his new book Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film, author Luis I. Reyes takes on the monumental task of sharing the stories of the many, many Hispanic and Latino artists, both in front of and behind the camera, who contributed to film history in their own unique ways. The majority of the book focuses on the classic film history but there is still plenty of information about artists working today.

Lots of information packed here but it came at the cost of hurting the reading experience.

My review:
https://www.outofthepastblog.com/2022...

[B]

The photos were my favorite part.

[Kanan Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viva Hollywood: The Legacy of Latin and Hispanic Artists in American Film by Luis I. Reyes is a richly illustrated and authoritative account celebrating the profound contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community to Hollywood. The book provides a sweeping history from the silent film era to the present day, detailing both the on-screen stars and the behind-the-scenes craftspeople who have shaped American cinema.
The review highlights Reyes's ability to uncover overlooked but vital details, such as a Mexican American sculptor's work on the original King Kong puppets and a Hispanic designer's hand in Marilyn Monroe's iconic dresses. The narrative follows the evolution of Hispanic representation, from early stereotypes like the "Latin Lover" and "sexy spitfire" to more nuanced roles inspired by the "Good Neighbor Policy" and the Civil Rights movement.
Through its vital storytelling and extensive use of full-color and black-and-white photos, the book reframes Hollywood history and serves as both a comprehensive reference and a vibrant celebration. Critics praise it as a sterling addition to the catalog of cinema history, offering an engaging and important read for any movie enthusiast.

[Dr_ Andrain · Rating 3 out of 5]

⊰═🕀═⊱≼🪶Кіно та ідентичність🪶≽⊰═🕀═⊱

⯓ Доволі незвична для мене література ... Цікаво було виявити, скільки насправді акторів латиноамериканського походження я знаю в Голлівуді (як виявляється, доволі багато) ... Я б навіть не подумав, що сюди можна віднести Камерон Діас (хоча по прізвищу можна здогадатися) ... Багато гарних ілюстрацій, а разом з цим певний історичний аналіз, тільки додають вагу книзі ...

✵ Знімаю бали за нав’язливе застосування сучасної політики ідентичності ... Ніхто не буде в китайській кіноіндустрії очорняти Китай і применшувати китайців перед представниками інших культур ... Так само індійська кіноіндустрія буде показувати Індію у найвигіднішому для себе світлі ... Натомість саме до білих людей найчастіше висуваються звинувачення у використанні такої стратегії ...

⯡ Автор виходить з того, що майже всі структурні проблеми Голлівуду зводяться до "провини білих" і системного расизму ... При цьому мало уваги приділяється тому, що ця ж індустрія, попри очевидні упередження, усе ж таки дала простір для творчої реалізації багатьом латиноамериканським іспаномовним акторам, дозволила їм скористатися своїм талантом ... Сам же ж констатував, що соціальні зв’язки могли переважати упередження, але далі констатації не пішов ... Замість аналізу взаємної залежності й обопільної вигоди, історія вкотре інтерпретується крізь схему з "винних" і "жертв" ... І це вже не вперше наштовхує мене на думку, що "рівність" і "прогресивність" постають радше як інструменти перерозподілу символічної влади всередині системи, нагадую, створеної білими людьми, ніж як рефлексія над тим, як різні групи спільно творили голлівудську культуру ...

💧⊱═𒍟═⊰🩸⊱ 6/12 ⊰🩸⊱═𒍟═⊰💧

☔ Dr_Andrain ☔

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book all about Latin & Hispanic actors, actresses, & directors in Hollywood, from the era of silent films to the present. The bios of these famous performers are very interesting & you may even come across a few of your favorites. All of these memorable performers had to endure stereotypical roles & paved the way for future stars of their caliber. It also has a chapter on classic Hollywood Films that these special people starred in or directed. All in all, Viva Hollywood is an informative & thoroughly enjoyable hidden gem of extraordinary Latin & Hispanic men & women who have entertained us with their remarkable talent for decades.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful companion book to Mr. Reyes' earlier book, "Hispanics In Hollywood." The author expands on stars whose career was young when his first book on the topic was released. This one fills in the 30-year gap. The research and detail is noteworthy. I am ecstatic that Luis Reyes wrote this second book about Latinos in the film and tv industry. Bravo!

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I had forgotten that Martin Sheen is Spanish. Oops! I grew up watching his sons in movies and on TV. I think that he did a spectacular job as the president of the United States in The West Wing. But let's not forget the joy of reading this book, even if it's not scholarly. It's fun, nevertheless.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff

So many great actors and actresses, I am glad I live in a time of more opportunity, and so much talent , and I look forward to the day we can just enjoy great works and not miss out due to someone having a "funny name" or "strange accent".

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a small thing, but Adriana Barraza did not win the Academy Award as the author noted.

[Marcin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative.

[Sarah McMullan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, insightful, stunning photos.

[Andrew Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, sonetimes provoking and extensively detailed too especially concerning the pioneering latinx stars of yesteryear.

Honestly, an absolute delight to read.