Gutierritos (1966 TV series)

Gutierritos was a popular Mexican telenovela (soap opera) produced by Valentín Pimstein for Telesistema Mexicano (now Televisa) in 1966. The series is based on the radio drama of the same name written by Estela Calderón.

The story centers on Ángel Gutiérrez, nicknamed "Gutierritos," a meek, kind-hearted man who is constantly abused and belittled by his overbearing and cruel wife, Lucrecia. He works as a clerk in an office where he is also treated with little respect, further contributing to his feelings of inadequacy. Despite the constant mistreatment, Gutierritos is a loving father to his children and a genuinely good person.

The telenovela explores themes of domestic abuse, social inequality, and the struggle for self-respect. Its popularity stemmed from its relatable characters and its depiction of everyday life in Mexico.

Gutierritos was incredibly successful and launched the careers of many actors. It has been remade several times, most notably in 1958 with the same name, starring Rafael Banquells, and in 2005 as Apuesta por un Amor. The original 1966 version remains a classic example of Mexican telenovela history.