Book Description

In the early 1940s, Pedro Cruz Infante, Mexico’s singing star and movie idol, made several trips to perform in the United States. During his first trip, he became reacquainted with a cousin our Dad, Leónides Cruz Ruelas, he lovingly referred to as Tío. This first reunion, and Pedro’s repeated trips to the United States, is what this book is about. These visits helped to re-connect Pedro Infante to the Ruelas family in which time and circumstances had kept them apart. This memoir is told by Pedro Infante’s two cousins, Carmen (Ruelas) VonTickner and Connie (Ruelas) Cooper. The reader will travel back in time as these two sisters share their memories of what it was like to live side by side with Pedro Infante and his wife María Luisa. There are moments of laughter, tears and excitement surrounding Pedro’s early visits to the United States. Memories of the fond way Pedro teased Dad, and of his playful and charming way he embraced his two young cousins, as he offered his council and advice. The reader will learn about Pedro’s personality, his inquisitive and discipline nature, and his love for Mom’s cooking. Pedro’s first visit, and successive visits to the United States were nostalgic and successful. This was evident through out all his performances and his time spent with his family. The Arguello Street house, where Pedro first met his two young cousins, became a popular place as curious and loving fans of Pedro Infante made frequent visits. There was always someone knocking at the front door, dangling a camera hoping to have a photo taken with the increasingly popular and handsome Pedro Infante. Having the Infante’s staying at the Ruelas home was the highlight of Connie and Carmen’s young lives.