This is a period piece bringing together some of the greatest writers, directors, and actors of the Spanish theater.
Benito Pérez Galdós' novel was first made into film in 1925, five years after his death. Galdos has written many works that have made it to film, and the fact that one is redone is testament to his writing skill.
José Luis Garci is one of Spain's greatest writers and directors, and has many shelves full of awards to prove it.
Fernando Fernán Gómez, who plays the lead in this film, also has shelves full of awards for his acting (over 200 roles), writing, and directing skills. He plays a man who returns from Peru determined to find his rightful heir between the daughters of his philandering daughter-in-law (Cayetana Guillén Cuervo).
This is not an easy task as he is broke and his daughter-in-law has the whole town on her side because of the money her husband left her.
The scene where he called them all out was magnificent! The scene where his granddaughter Dolly (Cristina Cruz) laid down the law was breathtaking.
This was a beautiful film that my poor words cannot even begin to describe.
