General Mapache
Am I correct in believing Mapache and his men were not Federales, but paramilitary fighting the same enemy, Pancho Villa?
shareYes, essentially correct. Allied to the Federales, at least on paper. But probably trying to obtain power on their own- and not succeeding. He is referred to as losing to Pancho Villa. But supporting the government of Huerta,for the time being.
Incidentally, it's absolutely incredible how little Americans know about their southern neighbour Mexico, and its rich, turbulent, complicated history. Which makes it quite surprising when "Coffer"( Strother Martin) gives a pretty articulate, informed answer to Thornton about the inhabitants of Agua Verde, Mexico. Coffer isn't exactly an academic, yet he is quite sharp on what's happening in contemporary( 1913-14) Mexico.
That's hard to believe for that period, but it's remarkable nonetheless in the movie!
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No, he was one of those 'irregulars' fighting against Pancho Villa. So he was with Huerta, at least for the time being.
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In movie land Mexican soldiers are always on the side of the ruthless brutal regime while the peasants- usually dressed in white with straw hats - are always the revolutionaries who are with Pancho Villa. I think that's how you got to see it in this one as well.
shareI'm sure that while Coffer was probably barely literate trash, as an 'unsavory' Southwesterner, he probably was familiar with goings on in Mexico-heck he might even have had involvement in the Civil War in Mexico-maybe fighting? Maybe gunrunning?
Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?