This early Ricardo Montaban movie shows his early acting/ dramatic talents. We knew he could dance, and dance he did with one of the best Female Dancers every Cyd Charisse. So great Together they did four More dance films. Many of My favorite performers are in this movie; Fortunno Buonanova, Born In Spain a Great Opera Singer whom sang Baritone & Tenor Perfect as the Mexican Padrone former Great Matador whom had to quit early owing to injury.. Basic Plot of movie. Years Later wife Mary Astor, over rated actress,(I guess if you believe She is Mexican not too much stretch that Esther Williams is the Mexican Daughter/Twin of Ricardo's Character. Although they used makeup for Astor to enhance the 'Mexican' look, none is used for Esther & Both speak American, even some slang.A better actress would have been Rita Hayworth, although born in NYC was Mexican and can dance which would enhance the Matador Movements.This would be very unusual for Aristocratic Mexican Family even today.. The Padrone is head Master and everything he says,YOU Do.
John Carroll another one of my favorites, although born in Louisianna as Julian LaFaye could effect many accents, none were utilized here, again leaving authenticity back stage. Public likes to see acting and if you are non-ethnic however can act the role it makes for a better movie. I like Akim Tamiroff as Faithful Friend of Don Antonio and he does effect the accent. I believe a better Performer such as J.Carol Naish would enhance the role, as we all know his expertise in languages. AS Lon Chaney Sr was man of 1000 faces, Naish would be man of 1000 accents,(exaggerated). The Costumes are very well done. Sequences in bull ring are above average and obviously done by professional Matadors. A little spoiler alert; When they use Esther to perform in the ring as brother Mario; come on her Bosoms especially in the Short Matador jacket and high waisted belt only further enhanced them. Ricordo always had good Physique, but not Bosoms. Even the bull was excited..THe Piano scenes in wayside tavern by Ricardo are as accurate and obviously show he can perform with piano as well.
With all flaws this is a good movie, very entertaining. Imagine if the main actors had been utilized to their expert potential.
John Carroll another one of my favorites, although born in Louisianna as Julian LaFaye could effect many accents, none were utilized here, again leaving authenticity back stage. Public likes to see acting and if you are non-ethnic however can act the role it makes for a better movie. I like Akim Tamiroff as Faithful Friend of Don Antonio and he does effect the accent. I believe a better Performer such as J.Carol Naish would enhance the role, as we all know his expertise in languages. AS Lon Chaney Sr was man of 1000 faces, Naish would be man of 1000 accents,(exaggerated). The Costumes are very well done. Sequences in bull ring are above average and obviously done by professional Matadors. A little spoiler alert; When they use Esther to perform in the ring as brother Mario; come on her Bosoms especially in the Short Matador jacket and high waisted belt only further enhanced them. Ricordo always had good Physique, but not Bosoms. Even the bull was excited..THe Piano scenes in wayside tavern by Ricardo are as accurate and obviously show he can perform with piano as well.
With all flaws this is a good movie, very entertaining. Imagine if the main actors had been utilized to their expert potential.