Viva Max!

Viva Max! is a 1969 American satirical comedy film directed by Jerry Paris and starring Peter Ustinov, Pamela Tiffin, and Jonathan Winters. The film centers on a fictional Mexican general, General Maximilian Rodrigues de Santos (played by Ustinov), who attempts to recapture the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, for Mexico, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and chaotic events.

The film is a farce, poking fun at national pride, historical revisionism, and the stereotypes associated with both American and Mexican cultures. It satirizes the idea of retaking the Alamo, a symbol of Texan independence, and the reactions of the local population and the United States Army.

Viva Max! was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised Ustinov's performance and the film's comedic elements, while others found the humor to be broad and predictable. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has become a cult classic and is remembered for its lighthearted approach to a sensitive historical topic. The title, "Viva Max!", is a play on the Spanish phrase "Viva Mexico!" ("Long Live Mexico!"), replacing "Mexico" with the general's name, emphasizing the individual's ambition and the farcical nature of the endeavor.