The Lieutenant Nun (Spanish: La monja alférez) is a 1944 Mexican historical adventure film directed by Emilio Gómez Muriel and starring María Félix, Ángel Garasa and José Cibrián. It is based on the life of Antonio de Erauso (a.k.a. Catalina de Erauso).
The film's sets were designed by the art director Jorge Fernández.
Contents
Plot
In 17th-century Spain, Catalina de Erauso (María Félix), a rebellious young woman confined to a convent, escapes her vows before taking her final veil. To avoid detection, she disguises herself as a man, adopting the name Alonso Díaz, and flees to the New World. Settling in colonial Spanish America, she enlists in the military and serves as a soldier under the command of Captain Juan de Aguirre (Ángel Garasa).
Due to her combat bravery, she is promoted to the rank of alférez (ensign). However, maintaining her secret identity becomes increasingly complex due to continuous romantic advances from local women and frequent involvement in violent brawls and duels. During a street fight, she accidentally mortally wounds her own brother, who serves as the local magistrate. Fatally injured during a later skirmish, Catalina confesses her true biological sex to a priest on her deathbed. She ultimately survives her wounds, and her unique military service and vow of chastity lead to a papal audience with Pope Urban VIII, who grants her a special dispensation to continue wearing male military attire.
Cast
María Félix as Catalina Erauso 'La Monja Alférez' / Don Alonso
Ángel Garasa as Roger
José Cibrián as Juan de Aguirre
Delia Magaña as Elvira
José Pidal as Don César, canónigo
Fanny Schiller as Doña Úrsula
Paco Fuentes as Don Miguel de Erauso
Eugenia Galindo as Doña Cristina
Esther Luquín as Beatriz
Maruja Grifell as Reverenda madre
José Goula as Don Claudio
Lauro Benítez as Don Indalecio
Jesús Valero as Sacerdote
Manuel Sánchez Navarro as Don Diego Fernández de Córdova, Virrey del Peru
Enrique García Álvarez as Don Ignacio de Aguirre
Consuelo Guerrero de Luna as Lucinda