Old Gringo (1989)
A sweeping tale of revolution and desire, set against the turbulent backdrop of Pancho Villa's Mexico with a legendary cast.
Old Gringo - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Luis Puenzo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 13, 1989 (Belgium - 12), October 6, 1989 (United States - R), April 12, 1990 (Germany - 16), September 13, 1989 (France - TP)
- Production Companies: Fonda Films, Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Old Gringo - Plot
A writer forms a triangle with a schoolmarm and a Mexican general on the run.
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Old Gringo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Luis Puenzo
Main Cast
- Jane Fonda
- Gregory Peck
- Jimmy Smits
- Gabriela Roel
- Patricio Contreras
- Sergio Calderón
- Guillermo Ríos
- Jim Metzler
- Anne Pitoniak
- Pedro Armendáriz Jr.
Writers
- Aída Bortnik
- Luis Puenzo
Producers
- Lois Bonfiglio
Old Gringo - FAQs
Is Old Gringo based on a true story?
Old Gringo is partly inspired by real events. The character of Ambrose Bierce, played by Gregory Peck, is based on the actual American writer and journalist Ambrose Bierce, who mysteriously disappeared in Mexico around 1913 during the Mexican Revolution. The film imagines a fictional account of his final days.
What happened to Ambrose Bierce in Old Gringo?
In the film, Ambrose Bierce travels to Mexico seeking a meaningful death after a long, disillusioned life. He joins Pancho Villa's revolution and becomes entangled with Harriet Winslow and General Arroyo. His fate reflects the real historical mystery surrounding the actual Bierce's disappearance in Mexico.
Who are the main actors in Old Gringo?
The film features a stellar cast led by Jane Fonda as Harriet Winslow, Gregory Peck as the aging writer Ambrose Bierce, and Jimmy Smits as the passionate General Tomás Arroyo. Supporting roles include Gabriela Roel, Patricio Contreras, and Pedro Armendáriz Jr. as Pancho Villa.
What is Old Gringo about?
Set during the Mexican Revolution, Old Gringo follows Harriet Winslow, an American schoolteacher who crosses into Mexico and finds herself caught between two very different men: the brooding, death-seeking writer Ambrose Bierce and the fiery revolutionary General Arroyo. It's a story of passion, identity, and upheaval.
Where can I watch Old Gringo?
You can watch Old Gringo by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so picking it up for a night in is pretty straightforward.
What is the age rating for Old Gringo?
Old Gringo is rated R in the United States, meaning it's intended for adult audiences. The film contains mature themes, violence tied to the Mexican Revolution, and romantic content. Viewers under 17 are advised to watch with parental guidance.
How long is Old Gringo?
Old Gringo runs for 120 minutes, or exactly two hours. It's a substantial but well-paced film that gives its three lead characters room to breathe, develop, and clash against the sweeping backdrop of revolutionary Mexico.
What are some movies similar to Old Gringo?
If you enjoyed Old Gringo, you might also like Sicario, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and The Last King of Scotland — all films blending political tension with compelling personal drama. For similar romantic adventure in exotic settings, The Legend of Zorro and The Way of the Gun are worth exploring.
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