Moonlight and Cactus (1932 film)

Moonlight and Cactus is a pre-Code American romantic comedy film released in 1932, directed by Darryl F. Zanuck (credited as Melville Brown) and starring Leo Carrillo, Leo Carillo, and Ruth Hall. The story revolves around a wealthy Mexican ranch owner and his attempts to find a wife, eventually leading to a comedic clash of cultures when he falls for a sophisticated city woman. The film is known for its humorous portrayal of Mexican stereotypes, common in Hollywood films of that era, and its lighthearted exploration of romance across social divides. Despite being a relatively minor film in Zanuck's extensive filmography, it provides a snapshot of the cinematic trends and cultural attitudes prevalent in the early 1930s. Its title is likely intended to evoke a romanticized vision of the Southwestern landscape.