“Chabelo” slapped “Cantinflas” on film: he “returned” and improvised

Xavier López ‘Chabelo’ died on March 25 at the age of 88, from septic shock.

The entertainment world did not hesitate to fire him with endless tributes and words of affection.

In the world of cinema, the anecdote came to light when he worked with “Cantinflas” and even slapped him: that was the moment.

“Chabelo” slapped “Cantinflas” in a movie

Besides “the friend of all children”, Xavier López “Chabelo” also worked in the cinema. He made his big screen debut with ‘Trip to the Moon’ and went on to appear in over twenty films, including several in which he was the lead.

One of his first titles was ‘El extra’, in which he had the opportunity to work alongside another legend of Mexican cinema, Mario Moreno.

In the 1962 story, Xavier López played Panchito, a teenager who bullies other minors, while “Cantinflas” gave life to Rogancio, who is responsible for protecting these children.

One of the most memorable moments for the audience is when their characters face each other and, funny and serious at the same time, slap each other a few times.

What many may not know is that the meeting of the two was completely impromptu between the actors. This was revealed by ‘Chabelo’ in a press chat in August 2011.

Years later, in an interview with the Axeso program, Xavier López described this scene as “special”, precisely because his performance deviated from what the script dictated.

Likewise, he said the film’s director, Miguel Delgado, objected to Xavier López “touching” Mario Moreno:

While he didn’t elaborate on why he got this hint from the director, he revealed that ‘Cantinflas’ himself stepped in and assured that the physical contact with his co-star didn’t bother him.

Thus, the scene between “Chabelo” and “Cantinflas” in the film “El extra” was achieved and became one of the most memorable in Mexican cinema.

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