After his son dies, an elderly man comes back to Spain from the US and hopes to find out which of his granddaughters is true, and which one is bastard.

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 9 wins & 17 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Rafael Alonso ...
...
...
Cristina Cruz ...
Alicia Rozas ...
...
Francisco Piquer ...
Prior de Zaratay
María Massip ...
Gregoria
José Caride ...
Francisco Algora ...
...
Vicenta, la alcaldesa
...
Concha Gómez Conde ...
Doña Consuelito
Nuria Rodríguez ...
Criada
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Storyline

An elderly man returns to Spain after spent some time in Peru looking for gold mines and losing his fortune. He returns because his son has died leaving two daughters, and the son has left a note stating that one of the two is a bastard child. The grandfather hopes to find out which is his true granddaughter. Written by <[email protected]>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and language | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

30 October 1998 (Spain)  »

Also Known As:

The Grandfather  »

Box Office

Budget:

ESP 400,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$12,726 (USA) (8 October 1999)

Gross:

$50,037 (USA) (29 October 1999)
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Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Rafael Alonso died before he complete dubbing of his character, dubbing actor Félix Acaso did his voice. See more »

Quotes

Don Rodrigo de Arista Potestad: Villainy is forgivable. Ingratitude, never.
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Connections

Version of El abuelo (1925) See more »

Soundtracks

Gymnopédie
By Erik Satie
Arranged by Manuel Balboa
Performed by Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid
Conducted by Ángel Gil Ordóñez
Piano soloist: Liliam María Castillo (as Lilian Castillo)
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Why do we always try to change the people we love?
21 February 2010 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

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.


5 of 5 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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