''Viva Villa! A Recovery of the Real Pancho Villa, Peon, Bandit, Soldier, Patriot'' is a 1933 biography of Mexican revolutionary leader

Pancho Villa Francisco "Pancho" Villa ( , , ; born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula; 5 June 1878 – 20 July 1923) was a Mexican revolutionary and prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution. He was a key figure in the revolutionary movement that forced ...

, authored by Edgcumb Pinchon with research assistance from O. B. Stade. The book presents a detailed account of Villa's life, portraying him as a multifaceted figure: peon, bandit, soldier, and patriot.

Background

Edgcumb Pinchon, an American journalist and author, collaborated with O. B. Stade, who had firsthand experience with Villa during the Mexican Revolution. Stade's insights and experiences provided valuable context and authenticity to the narrative.

Publication and Reception

The book was published in 1933 by

Harcourt, Brace and Company Harcourt () was an American publishing firm with a long history of publishing fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. It was known at different stages in its history as Harcourt Brace, & Co. and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. From 1919 to 1 ...

. It was well-received for its vivid portrayal of Villa and its detailed account of the Mexican Revolution. The collaboration between Pinchon and Stade was noted for bringing a unique perspective to Villa's life story.

Film Adaptation

In 1934,

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (also known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, commonly shortened to MGM or MGM Studios) is an American Film production, film and television production and film distribution, distribution company headquartered ...

released the film ''

Viva Villa! ''Viva Villa!'' is a 1934 American pre-Code Western film directed by Jack Conway and starring Wallace Beery as Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. The screenplay was written by Ben Hecht, adapted from the 1933 book '' Viva Villa!'' by Edgecumb ...

'', directed by Jack Conway and starring

Wallace Beery Wallace Fitzgerald Beery (April 1, 1885 – April 15, 1949) was an American film and stage actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Bill in '' Min and Bill'' (1930) opposite Marie Dressler, as General Director Preysing in '' Grand Hotel'' (1 ...

as Pancho Villa. The screenplay, written by

Ben Hecht Ben Hecht (; February 28, 1894 – April 18, 1964) was an American screenwriter, director, producer, playwright, journalist, and novelist. A journalist in his youth, he went on to write 35 books and some of the most enjoyed screenplays and play ...

, was based on Pinchon's biography. The film marked the second time Wallace Beery had played Villa in a motion picture.

Editions

*New York, Harcourt, Brace and company

1933 Events January * January 11 – Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith makes the first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand. * January 17 – The United States Congress votes in favour of Philippines independen ...

(o.p.) *New York, Arno Press, 1970

References

{{Reflist 1933 non-fiction books American biographies Books adapted into films Biographies about politicians Pancho Villa