Juarez

Released Jun 10, 1939

2h 12m

Biography

List

71%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

48%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

In an effort to maintain control of Mexico, Napoleon III (Claude Rains) of France installs the puppet leader Emperor Maximilian (Brian Aherne) to execute his commands and to wrest power from Benito Juárez (Paul Muni), Mexico's elected president. Maximilian questions his role, but his power-hungry wife, Empress Carlota (Bette Davis), pushes him to remain emperor. However, the will of the people and the fickleness of Napoleon's support put Maximilian in a precarious position.

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Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

The cast is as long as your arm, seven of them starring players in their own right; but William Dieterle was unable to bring out their natural talent: they are all right but seem scattered effects as people, uneasy in their lines and make-up.

May 23, 2024

Full Review

Cinelandia Staff

Cinelandia

A film that does justice to its expectations. [Full review in Spanish]

Sep 1, 2022

Full Review

Harry Mines

Illustrated Daily News (Los Angeles)

Despite its defects, Juarez commands respect. It will be remembered. So, again, must the palm be extended Warner Bros. for taste and skill in dealing with difficult subject matter.

Jun 10, 2021

Full Review

Graham Greene

The Spectator

It must be admitted, however, that a quite impressive film has emerged from all the muddle.

May 10, 2018

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A dull epic directed without inspiration by William Dieterle.

Rated: C+

Sep 6, 2013

Full Review

Steve Crum

Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Warner Brothers spectacle of highest order with Muni never better.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 27, 2006

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Al G

Paul Muni and his "Juarez" movie receive little attention in the 21st century. It's unfortunate. Paul Muni did some great work back in the old days. "Juarez" was a flop but there's still a great story hidden away in this film. Maybe Paul Muni and "Juarez" will be rediscovered. I look forward to a five star production.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/29/24

Full Review

steve d

Rains made it work. The rest was ok.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Muni in title character is wooden and looks like he has a ton of putty on his forehead, but they got the hairdo right. While Bette Davis, Claude Rains and Brian Ahern are excellent, they can't save this overlong, boring extravaganza.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An extraordinary film of a phenomenal, illusory, and heartbreaking episode in Mexican history. A lost chapter to many people. The cast performance is absolutely amazing. Brian Aherne fully encapsulates the regality of a true Monarch. Paul Muni's stoic portrayal of Benito Juarez gives the "President" more justice then actually deserved. Above all Bette Davis stands out like a supernova in a revolution of bright stars. Her performance out right embodies pure majesty, truly fitting for an Empress. I highly recommend this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

awesome historical bio-pic

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Paul Muni successfully not looking good :D

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

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William Dieterle

Director

Paul Muni

Benito Juarez

Bette Davis

Empress Carlotta von Hapsburg

Brian Aherne

Emperor Maximilian von Hapsburg

Claude Rains

Emperor Louis Napoleon III

John Garfield

Gen. Porfirio Diaz

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Synopsis

In an effort to maintain control of Mexico, Napoleon III (Claude Rains) of France installs the puppet leader Emperor Maximilian (Brian Aherne) to execute his commands and to wrest power from Benito Juárez (Paul Muni), Mexico's elected president. Maximilian questions his role, but his power-hungry wife, Empress Carlota (Bette Davis), pushes him to remain emperor. However, the will of the people and the fickleness of Napoleon's support put Maximilian in a precarious position.

Director: William Dieterle
Screenwriter: John Huston, Æneas MacKenzie, Wolfgang Reinhardt
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Genre: Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 10, 1939, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 3, 2013
Runtime: 2h 12m

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