I must say that this is one of the few movies to which I am constantly returning. I've watched it over and over and I find it every time more exciting. I believe this is due to several things. First of all, the fantastic interpretations of the great portuguese names such as Beatriz Costa, António Silva and, of course, Vasco Santana. Than, there is also the great dialogues and story (all the schemes Vasquinho finds to lie to his aunts...). But, in my opinion, what makes this movie, and other portuguese movies from this time, so special, is the fact that they were made honestly, completely honestly. Suddenly someone says "Let's make people laugh"; and they just did it, they were not trying to revolucionize the cinema or something, they had a simple straight project, and they went all the way with it... That's the attitude many portuguese (and not only) directors should have nowadays... It is interesting to notice that the most prestigious portuguese director alive, Manoel de Oliveira, played a role in this movie, Carlos. And if you have seen american "Space cowboys" you will find in it a joke that is already present in this 1933's movie (did the americans see this movie??)... It's when a girl asks Vasquinho "How should call you?" and he answers "Call me Vasquinho, call me Lulu... look... call me whenever you want that I'll be right there...". Donald Sutherland says an equivalent joke.
No doubt a lesson in how to make you laugh, even in black and white (which I love, by the way). 10/10
No doubt a lesson in how to make you laugh, even in black and white (which I love, by the way). 10/10