This paper presents a history of motion pictures that focuses on how motion pictures, from 1894 to the present, have portrayed Latins. The role that Hollywood has played in the perpetuation of stereotypes is illustrated. There is an explanation of how film has illuminated a world beyond everyday experiences and has introduced the movie-goer to new cultures, countries, and people. The paper postulates that the film industry formed myth out of reality and from those fabricated myths stereotypes developed, and it discusses how films became references for many people that included stereotypes, preexisting beliefs, and distorted images of the people presented. Images, portrayed by film, from the "Latin Lover" to the "Frito Bandito" are discussed. The paper centers on the stereotypes that develop as a result of one-sided, superficial depictions of complex cultures. The roles of over 15 films are discussed. (Contains 35 references.) (TMK)