Cantinflas (Mario Moreno) is recognized as one of the greatest Mexican actors to ever live.

The comedian was known for his diverse movie roles and was even recognized as the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico. He was a pioneer for Mexican Cinema and he even crossed over into American cinema. The actor not only received a star in Hollywood Walk of Fame, but also won a Golden Globe.

With the Pantelion and Lionsgate releasing "Cantinflas" this week, the biopic based on the life of the actor, it is time to take a special look back at some of the iconic Latino actor's most prolific films:

El Bolero de Raquel

The Mexican comedy marked Cantinflas' return to Mexican cinema after having starred in a number of Hollywood films. The film tells the story of a kind-hearted bootblack who accidentally becomes the tutor of an orphan but nevertheless spends all his time and effort for the sake of the boy. The film also starred Manola Saavdera and Paquito Fernandez who had a breakout in the film. The film contains one of the most iconic dance sequences in the history of Mexican cinema, as it includes Cantinflas dancing to the music of Ravel.


The comedy was nominated for the Ariel Award for Best Child Actor and was also the first Cantinflas film to be distributed in the U.S.


El Analfabeto

This film is recognized for being one of Cantinflas' most tender and charming films. The comedy tells the story of an illiterate man who receives a letter telling him that he is the heir to his uncle's fortune of two million pesos, which he has only to claim by producing his baptismal certificate as proof of identity. However, as an illiterate, he has no idea of the contents of the letter. Starring Lilia Prado and Angel Garasa, the moving was hailed by critics and audiences when it first came out in 1961.


Around the World in Eighty Days

This is by far the most famous film by Cantinflas as the movie went on to win five Academy Awards including Best Picture. The movie was an adaptation of Jules Verne's novel and tells the story of a Victorian Englishman who bets that with the new steamships and railways he can do what the title says. The role was Cantinflas' Hollywood debut and critics attributed the success of the movie to his Chaplinesque performance. For his role, he was nominated for a Golden Globe and won. However, the Academy failed to recognize his contribution.


Su Excelencia

Directed by Miguel Delgado, this was the fourth Columbia Cantinflas co-production. The film tells the story of Lopez, a bureaucrat from the Latin American "Republica De Los Cocos" which is stationed in the embassy of the Communist bloc country "Pepeslavia." The movie is best known for the powerful final speech Cantinflas gives. It is not only a hilarious film, but it also has serious political undertones. Cantinflas gives one of the most powerful performances of his career.

Pepe

Probably known for being a huge disappointment, the feature still managed to obtain seven Academy Award nominations. Cantinflas tried to infuse his Latin American humor into an American film. However, it did not translate well for the American audiences and the movie ended up being a box office failure. Cantinflas' efforts were, however, recognized as he was nominated for Best Actor at the Golden Globes. The film was also nominated for Best Picture and it featured cameos by Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.

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