María Elena is a 1936 Mexican drama film directed by Raphael J. Sevilla. The film stars Carmen Guerrero and Adolfo Girón, and features early supporting roles for Pedro Armendáriz and Emilio Fernández. It is notable as the first film to feature a cinematic performance of the traditional song "La Bamba". Following its initial release, the film was acquired for American distribution by Grand National and re-released in an English-dubbed version under the exploitation title She-Devil Island.
Plot María Elena (Carmen Guerrero), a young woman living in a coastal Mexican village, undergoes an emotional crisis when she lets short-term sexual desire override her prospects for a sensible, stable marriage. Her volatile romantic choices devastate her faithful fisherman suitor, Rogelio (Juan José Martínez Casado). Heartbroken and seeking an escape from his domestic reality, Rogelio leaves the village and voyages far across the sea.
During his maritime travels, Rogelio arrives at a mysterious, isolated tropical jungle territory known as "She-Devil Island," which is reputedly inhabited entirely by women and boasts incredibly rich pearl beds along its shores. A harrowing jungle adventure ensues as competing groups of male travelers and regional traders weaponize local rivalries to dominate the island and capture the indigenous women. Rogelio successfully takes command of the primary faction, routing his opponents to secure the territory. However, just as he establishes his authority, he receives tragic news from home that a remorseful María Elena has fallen mortally ill. Abandoning his newfound wealth and empire, Rogelio mounts a desperate return voyage to his homeland in a bid to save his dying love.
Cast Carmen Guerrero as María Elena Juan José Martínez Casado as Rogelio Adolfo Girón Beatriz Ramos Lucy Delgado Guillermo Calles Pedro Armendáriz Emilio Fernández
Production The film was directed, produced, and co-written by Raphael J. Sevilla. Principal photography took place in late 1935, with cinematography handled by Gabriel Figueroa during the early phase of his career. The musical landscape of the film includes an appearance of the traditional son jarocho song "La Bamba", which was performed at promotional conventions to generate public interest ahead of theatrical distribution.
Release María Elena premiered at the Teatro Campoamor in Harlem, New York, on February 17, 1936, via Columbia Pictures distribution. Following a quiet initial theatrical run, the distribution rights were acquired by First Division and subsequently taken over by Grand National. The company heavily modified the film's promotional campaign, altering the title to She-Devil Island and crafting alternative marketing elements highlighting an exploitation narrative centered on the film's tropical island backdrop. The re-titled version opened on July 25, 1936, at the Terminal Theater in Newark, New Jersey, where it achieved commercial success, earning $7,000 in its opening week before moving to an extended run at the Fox Theatre in Brooklyn.
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