Of the many delightful on-screen comics, Lupe Velez stood out as one of the first Latin-American stars. While her career began during the days of silent film, she successfully made the transition to talkies, despite concerns about her Mexican accent.

Over the years, Velez appeared in comedies and dramas, working alongside the likes of Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Gloria Swanson, and more. She could also be spotted singing in some of her film roles, slowly developing a screen image as a “Mexican Spitfire.”

Off-screen, her life was also vibrant, though tumultuous. Though her life ended abruptly and tragically, her life and career are well worth exploring. Eve Golden’s Strictly Dynamite: The Sensational Life of Lupe Velez succeeds in offering a thoughtful, thorough, and empathetic portrayal of this beloved screen star.

Strictly Dynamite: The Sensational Life of Lupe Velez is available for purchase via the University Press of Kentucky.