A Los Nueve

[Bobbert]

A Mexican movie on YouTube from the 1960’s about a rich aunt from Spain who owns a wealthy estate in Mexico and is meeting her “supposed nephew” from Spain for the first time, called “El Falso Heredero” (3/6) at 12:14 and 14:08:

In one scene, the rich aunt, upon meeting her nephew for the first time, says to her nephew:
“La cena es a los nueve.”

In another scene, when the nephew is not at the dining table at nine o’clock, the rich aunt asks the butler:
“¿Avisaste a mi sobrino que la cena es a los nueve?”

What does “a los nueve” refer to. Why did she refer to the specified time as “a los nueve”? I would have thought to say “a las nueve.”

I don't think I heard the phrase wrong, so the YouTube chapter and time stamps are provided above so you can hear them.

Any explanation is appreciated.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

She does say "a las nueve", but the actress didn't have teeth, so her speech sounds strange sometimes.
Sara García had an interesting story: she was unemployed and had her teeth removed when she was very young so she could get roles intended for older women. She played the mother of actors that were her age or older because of her appearance and made history being an eternal grandma.

[Bobbert]

Thank you, AngelicadeAlquezar. I'm glad to know that it was "a las nueve."

Yes, I am familiar with Sara Garcia's legacy and how she came to be called "la abuelita de Mexico." I learn a lot of Mexicanisms from her movies, and most of her works keep my interest, so I end up watching them till the end.

She was a great actress and a treasure to Mexican cinema.

Thanks again for responding. That clears it up for me.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Yeah, she played a lot of dramatic roles, but she's currently more famous for her comedy movies.