In Fact it isn't the first one, there have been at least 6 before this one, but is intended to be because this movie has a great history in it. The novel was the first best seller of Mexico, and also this movie was an American Super Production (in that time). It also is the mother of a legend of Mexican dramas, and the fichera's movies. Considered as a jewel, Santa makes you understand why Mexican cinematographers made a whole genre of it, the kind of teatrical drama, whores as incredible "pure woman", and Mexico as a producer of their films. Any comments, u can emailme.