La piel de zapa 1943
Luis Bayón Herrera's 1943 fantasy-drama *La piel de zapa* (also known as *The Magic Skin*) weaves a haunting tale of fate and desperation set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Buenos Aires.
Director: Luis Bayón Herrera
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is La piel de zapa (1943) about?
The film follows a desperate man burdened by debt who discovers a magical goatskin that grants his every wish—at the horrifying cost of his own life shrinking with each fulfilled desire. As his fortunes rise, his time on earth falls, forcing him to confront the ultimate question: can wealth and power ever replace what he's losing?
Who directed La piel de zapa?
La piel de zapa was directed by Luis Bayón Herrera, a prominent figure in Argentine cinema known for blending fantasy with social commentary during the 1940s.
Who stars in La piel de zapa?
The film features Hugo del Carril in the lead role, alongside Aída Luz, Florence Marly, Santiago Gómez Cou, and Alberto Contreras in pivotal supporting parts.
Is La piel de zapa (1943) worth watching?
With its unique blend of fantasy and drama, *La piel de zapa* offers a compelling, if melancholic, exploration of human desire and consequence. While Argentine cinema from this era isn't widely streamed today, its atmospheric storytelling and moral complexity make it a curio worth seeking out for fans of classic supernatural tales.
How long is La piel de zapa?
La piel de zapa has a runtime of 87 minutes.
About La piel de zapa (1943) — A haunting fantasy-drama about fate, greed, and the price of wishes
Luis Bayón Herrera's 1943 fantasy-drama *La piel de zapa* (also known as *The Magic Skin*) weaves a haunting tale of fate and desperation set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Buenos Aires. The story follows a financially ruined man who stumbles upon a supernatural goatskin that fulfills every wish—yet with each desire granted, his remaining time on earth dwindles. Blending dark fantasy with melodrama, the film explores themes of greed, moral decay, and the inescapable cost of ambition, all wrapped in a moody, atmospheric narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. With Hugo del Carril leading the cast in a career-defining performance, the movie balances eerie supernatural elements with raw human emotion, making it a standout in Argentine cinema of the era.
As the protagonist's life spirals under the skin's curse, the film questions whether true happiness can ever be bought—or if destiny always reclaims its due. The 87-minute runtime races through a series of increasingly desperate choices, culminating in a poignant meditation on sacrifice and redemption. Director Luis Bayón Herrera masterfully balances the fantastical with the tragic, creating a cinematic experience that's as thought-provoking as it is visually striking.