Maria Felix is not only renowned for beauty and talent, but also for intelligence and devotion to her country. After forty-seven films, she cannot be considered on a decline, but in the twilight of her career.
Maria comes from a moderately wealthy family, surrounded by brothers and sisters, a loving mother and very stern father. They lived in the hacienda of Quiriego, Alamos, Sonora. Maria was born in 1915. Her first love was a brother, Pablo. Their parents suspected more of the tender affection and sent him off to military school. Unfortunately, he was killed under suspicious circumstances. Maria never accepted the story of his death and is still haunted by thoughts about his short life. She was drawn to the theater as a means of projecting herself away from the family life.
"El Peñon de las Animas" (The heart of my Soul) was her first film that was made to please Fernando Palacios. He had wanted her to make his motion picture from the moment that he saw her. To him, she was an ideal - for Maria it was a learning experience. The picture was only a moderate success.
"Dona Barbara" was a movie that literally fell from the sky. She was called to CLASA FILMS (the principal agent for motion pictures) to appear before a group of directors, producers and writers. She had not dressed for the appearance; her hair was done in a simple chignon. She gave the impression of blossoming maturity, exactly the right characterization. The play-write would have none other than Maria Felix although someone else had already been contracted to do the part. Maria gave it all her efforts and imagination; it was a springboard to her success.
Directors found her to be arrogant and impetuous. There were arguments over costumes and salary. She tended to change the scripts to her ideas. She demanded a special dressing room. With all this, her family did not agree with her new life. Her father took action against her by swearing that she was not deserving of the family name. Her brothers and sisters all signed the declaration.
Love to her was a strong craving, but it had to be without restraint. Independence was above love. The ideal man should have the spirit of the French, the charm of the Italian, the dynamism of the Gringo and the generosity of the Mexican. Above all he had to be "sexy". Love must give all but not imprison one. Her most enduring love was Alex Berger, who remained at her side for many years, advising, loving and cherishing.
Her career gave her four Ariels, the equivalent of the American Oscar. She was awarded the "Silver Goddess," a medal from the rector of UNAM. The City of Mexico Award was presented to her by President Salinas at the National Palace.
From childhood, the music of Agustin Lara had fascinated her. Once she voiced the dream, "One day I will marry him." She had met him at a dinner party and from then on they developed a strong relationship. It was his voice that made him a great lover. Their first years together were idealistic but all things eventually come to an end. She married him and then decided the only way to get rid of him, was to divorce him. She bought a small house with the money earned from her films and an inheritance. Agustin was enraged and became violent. He tried to shoot her but his aim was bad and his shot was wild. She went on to film "Rio Escondido" with tears in her eyes. The picture was one of her triumphs. Throughout her trials and problems, Alex was always there to help and console.
Having met all the presidents of Mexico in their term of office, Maria developed a strong political leaning. She declared that if she had not become an actress, she would have been a politician. Maria felt that Mexico was ready to exercise the vote and a strong government would ensue. She stated that it is necessary to do more for the indigenous peoples, for they are the heart of the country. Their religion, customs and manner of living must be cultivated.
Felix's position was that no advances would be possible until there was a separation of church and state. She felt that making promises of eternal life is unthinkable. Better to promise a decent livelihood and sustenance.
When Alex Berger died, Maria was devastated; she needed his council and love. Antidepressants and sleeping pills held no real comfort. Finally, a close friend brought her to a Rochester, N.Y. clinic in search of a cure for her now full-blown addiction.
Out of treatment, Maria began to make drastic changes in her life; she sold all her possessions and moved to Cuernavaca. Her new home was furnished with antiques and paintings. Among her new friends was a young artist, Antoine Tzaposs. To her, Antoine was the most cultured, talented man she had ever known. They lived together for 12 years. Antoine painted life-size portraits of Maria. Thanks to him, Maria became interested in the Huicholes, Yaquis, Otomies and all the ethnic groups of Mexico. His youth was a joy to her spirit.
Today, at 85, the past does not concern Maria Felix. Instead of reliving old glories, she looks toward the future and what she can learn to give even more joy and hope.
