Chulas Fronteras (1976) review

Documentarian Blank spends time around the U.S.-Mexico border to take a quick peek at individuals who share cultural ties with both countries: they make food and drink beer, do rough manual labor in the heat (like gathering potatoes) and play music influenced (in part) by the German polka.  There are a handful of interviews where the subjects talk a little about their personal backgrounds, but it's almost exclusively a showcase of songs from the norteño genre that tell stories involving the need for workers' rights and, naturally, love (beware the gringos!).  It's mostly of value as a historical artifact and to show the ongoing evolution of "Tex-Mex" cuisine ... which has been bastardized by chain eateries such as Taco Bell and Del Taco.  Having grown up in Pennsylvania, I can freely admit the sound of an accordion makes me want to stuff tissues in my ears and run away screaming ... but while I'm dashing in the opposite direction, I will happily grab a few of those tamales to go.