THE GAY DESPERADO Special Collector’s Edition

One of the most imaginative musical comedies Hollywood has ever produced, The Gay Desperado was a surprise hit in 1936, and nine decades later remains a beguiling, offbeat treat. As directed by the award-winning virtuoso Rouben Mamoulian (Love Me Tonight, The Mark of Zorro), it magically combines comedy and adventure with thrilling singing from Metropolitan Opera tenor Nino Martini. As a reluctant member of Leo Carrillo’s bandit gang, Martini is called on to guard the lovely and recently kidnapped Ida Lupino, with the expected romantic results–plus interference from a bunch of American gangsters moving their operation south of the border. Visually and musically sumptuous, filled with hilarious satiric touches, The Gay Desperado is a one-of-a-kind film and, even more importantly, an absolute delight. This restoration is possible because of our partnership with the Mary Pickford Foundation.

“Opera, Bandits, and the Hollywood Western” A video essay by Dr. David Wilt Liner Notes Pictorial Booklet by Richard Barrios Writer, Historian, and Commentator Poster & Photo Gallery