Revolutions in Mexico occur with such monotonous regularity that they have ceased to be subjects of major interest. Dimmed by the frequency of the uprisings there have been, nevertheless, heroic struggles and suffering in the glamorous country south of the Rio Grande. Though obviously idealized and sentimentalized, "Viva Villa" is a stirring portrayal of the events centering about the Madero government and that fascinating bandit, Pancho Villa. The flogging and tortures by which the Diaz regime kept the peons in subjection arouse the anger of Villa and inspired by Madero he opens revolt against the government. After much bloody fighting Madero is installed as President, but his program of social reform divides his ranks. Pascal, a treacherous general leads the opposition, and the counter revolution soon ends in the murder of Madero and the installation of a conservative government. Villa learns of the treachery and returns to Mexico at the head of his rejuvenated army of peons and bandits. Pascal is ousted, and the liberal reforms accomplished. Wallace Beery as the much romanticized Villa, gives another of his gruff and lovable portrayals. The love interest is supplied by Fay Wray, and Stuart Erwin as the American reporter is adequate. Henry B. Walthall, who has appeared much too rarely since "The Birth of a nation" makes the gentile, idealistic Madero a vivid character. The photography and musical accompaniment are excellent, but the film is unnecessarily long and would profit by judicious cutting.

The stage distractions at the Orpheum live up to the Standards of American vaudeville, by consisting of acrobats, pathetic comedians, and much too much tap dancing.