A Madona de Cedro (1968)

Based on the 1957 novel by Antônio Calado.

A man who works as an artisan in Congonhas do Campo is contacted by a childhood friend who has connections with a shady art collector; the proposition is that the artisan should steal a religious sculpture from its church in exchange for a considerable sum of money.

Somewhat lacking in regard to script, it has nevertheless some interesting ideas and competent camerawork and cinematography, and also a good score. There is a striking similarity between some events in its plot and the main plot of O Pagador de Promessas (1962), which is based on a 1959 play by Dias Gomes. Both films have the same main actor, and the diretor of the 1962 film is an actor and producer in the 1968 film.

Rating: 40