‘Hispanic Heroes’ on the Screen

The Hispanic hero, according to Hollywood, has become respectable.

He started as a bandit in 1920’s “The Mark of Zorro.” In 1988, in “Stand and Deliver,” he was a math teacher.

Both pictures are part of “Hispanic Heroes,” a film series at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum, which continues through May 31. Altogether, eight movies will be shown, chronicling the progression of Hispanic characters through the years.

John Langellier, director of research and publication for the museum, praised the more positive portrayals of Hispanics in contemporary Hollywood. He cited two films from the series, 1982’s “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez,” and “Stand and Deliver,” as prime examples of the more enlightened view of Hispanics. He said, however, that too much negative stereotyping remains.

“No one has yet done for Hispanics what ‘Dances with Wolves’ did for American Indians,” Langellier said. “They need a shot in the arm, something that can open up new horizons.”

Dolores Dyer, the museum’s theater manager, said the museum consulted with the film schools at UCLA and USC to make the final selections. “We wanted as broad a range as possible,” Dyer said.

The series was organized in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibition, “Patterns of Prestige: The Development and Influence of the Saltillo Sarape,” a look at weavings and textiles in Spanish culture.

The film series started in March with “The Mark of Zorro,” and “Juarez,” which tells the story of Mexican Revolutionary leader Benito Juarez. The remaining films on the schedule are:

“The Cisco Kid Returns” (1945)-- Duncan Renaldo makes his first appearance as the Cisco Kid. Also starring Martin Garralaga, Roger Pryor and Cecilia Callejo. April 11-12.

“The Gay Amigo” (1949)--The Cisco Kid is blamed for a series of robberies. Renaldo and Leo Carillo star. The future Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore, also appears. April 25-26.

“The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca” (1958)--The story of New Mexican lawman Elfego Baca, who tried to keep the peace by restricting the use of guns. Starring Robert Loggia, Robert Simon, Lisa Montel and Leonard Strong. May 2-3.

“Salt of the Earth” (1953)--A film that relates the effects of a strike by New Mexico mine workers. Starring Juan Chacon, Rosaura Revueltas, Will Geer and Mervin Williams. May 9-10.

“Stand and Deliver” (1988)--The true story of math teacher Jaime Escalante, who inspires East L.A. students to unexpected success. Starring Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips and Andy Garcia. May 23-25.

“The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez” (1982)--A Mexican cowhand becomes the victim of prejudice in Texas. He kills a local sheriff and is pursued by the Texas Rangers. Starring Olmos, James Gammon and Barry Corbin. May 30-31.

All films in the series begin at 2 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Theater. Regular admission is $1 for museum members and with paid daily museum admission; $3 for general admission; and $2 for senior citizens and children 12 and under. Call (213) 667-2000.