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If there is one problem with how American history is taught throughout the nation, it’s the lacking, if not complete absence, of Hispanic and Native American stories and figures. Because most of American history has predominantly focused on the achievements of white, mainly English-speaking people, those of other backgrounds have received little attention and been deemed by society as less deserving of discussion, even though they are anything but. Film is no exception when it comes to depicting such historical subject matter, as the average moviegoer is less likely to come across a history-based work of cinema centered around a BIPOC individual than they are one revolving around a white person. Of course, there are exceptions (even if they remain relatively obscure), with one in particular being the subject of today’s discussion, the 1977 historical drama, “Kino”.
The film in question revolves around the life of Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, an Italian-born Jesuit missionary who would go on to become one of the most prominent figures in the establishment of Catholicism in the land that would come to be known as Mexico and the southwestern United States. Known as the “Padre on Horseback”, Kino traveled far from his home in southern Europe to these newly discovered regions of North and Central America, coming into contact with the various indigenous people living in this part of the world and becoming a friend and ally to many of these groups. The film covers a significant portion of Kino’s life throughout much of the 17th century, with the challenges he faced over the course of his trip being among the many highlights of this little known chapter of American/Mexican history.
Even if the title of the film doesn’t sound familiar, there’s a strong chance that some of the film’s main actors will be much more recognizable. Playing the lead role is Richard Egan, who had made a name for himself in the 1950’s and 1960’s with such films as “The 300 Spartans” and “Love Me Tender”. Perhaps even more recognizable, however, are the presence of two of the most well-regarded Hispanic actors in the history of American cinema and television. In the role of General Lafuente is Ricardo Montalban, best known for playing Mr. Roarke on “Fantasy Island” and Khan in the “Star Trek” franchise, whereas Cesar Romero, who holds the honor of being the first of many to portray the iconic comic supervillain Joker (specifically for the 1960’s “Batman” television show), appears as Admiral Juan Atondo.
Though this film may go by many names (including “Mission to Glory”, “Kino” remains just as compelling and devoted to its historical source material under each and every one of them. For those interested in learning more about early Mexican/southwestern American history, this is a must-watch, one that can be easily accessed here.
