During Mexico's mid-20th-century film industry heyday, a diverse array of characters and genres captivated audiences, rivaling Hollywood in both quality and output. The era's success was partly due to American resources being redirected to World War II, prompting Mexican companies to create movies with broader appeal. The retrospective "Spectacle Every Day: Mexican Popular Cinema" at Film at Lincoln Center showcases this period, featuring unlikely heroes and heroines with strong moral compasses. Iconic actors like Cantinflas and Pedro Infante starred in farsa grotesca and comedia ranchera, while stars like Germán Valdés and María Félix also left their mark. These films not only reflect a bygone era but also offer insight into the cultural and historical context of Mexico.