When Love Laughs

José Mojica plays a singing vacquero who stops off in la cantina to have muchas cervezas with los muchachos. While José is all beered up, he boasts that he can tame the wild mare -- a horse no man can ride -- owned by local ranchero Don Alvarado (a stolid performance by Carlos Villarias). While he's in the neighbourhood, José also boasts that he can tame the Don's daughter, a Mexican spitfire played by Mona Maris.

Directed by David Howard, William J. Scully, Manuel París, When Love Laughs leans on a strong ensemble — José Mojica, Mona Maris, Carlos Villarías — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1930.