In the book On the Border: Society and Culture between the United States and Mexico (2004), it is noted that in changing times in Mexico in the 1930s, with the middle-class setting new moral standards, the film stands out for "rescuing old patriarchal Catholic values of female chastity and loyalty to a family hierarchy".[10]
Release and reception
The film premiered on 7 September 1939 at the Cine Palacio in Mexico City.[11]
A contemporary commentator in Cine-Mundial wrote: "[In Papacito Lindo] Cosmopolitanism reigns supreme. The theme is of French origin, although the dialogue, written by Fuentes himself, has its own flavor. Another bold idea was to give the lead role to a singer."[12]Teatro al dia indicated that the film had been well-received in the United States and was an important production of the Mexican film industry.[8]
Raúl Miranda in Corre camera considered that Papacito lindo is one of the films where de Fuentes demonstrates his ability to understand the popular taste of the time.[13]