La monja alférez

A 17th century woman, imprisoned for fighting in a bar, recounts her past to a priest. She tells of her father teaching her how to fence, of being sent to a convent by her aunt when her father died, of escaping by dressing as a man, and of her life as a man following the escape.

Directed by Emilio Gómez Muriel, La monja alférez leans on a strong ensemble — María Félix, Ángel Garasa, José Cibrián — 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 adventure titles of 1944.