Juarez (film)

Juarez is a 1939 American historical drama film directed by William Dieterle. It is based on the play "Juarez and Maximilian" by Franz Werfel and the book "The Phantom Crown" by Bertita Harding, which are both fictionalized accounts of the Second French Intervention in Mexico and the reign of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico.

The film stars Paul Muni as Benito Juárez, Bette Davis as Empress Carlota, Brian Aherne as Emperor Maximilian, and John Garfield as Porfirio Díaz. It depicts Juárez's struggle to defend Mexico's republic against French forces who installed Maximilian as Emperor.

The narrative focuses on the political and military conflicts between the Mexican Republicans led by Juárez and the French-backed Imperial forces under Maximilian. It explores the personal drama of Maximilian and Carlota, who are manipulated by Napoleon III of France and ultimately find themselves isolated and vulnerable as the Mexican people rally behind Juárez's cause.

While Juarez aims to be a historical drama, it is important to note that it takes considerable liberties with historical facts for dramatic effect. The film was produced during a period when Hollywood often romanticized or simplified historical events to fit its narrative requirements. Criticism has been levelled against its portrayal of Mexican history and its biased perspectives.