Holiday in Havana is a 1949 American [1] musical comedy film directed by Jean Yarbrough, and starring Desi Arnaz, Mary Hatcher and Ann Doran. The film is about a Cuban hotel busboy (Arnaz) who dreams of becoming a composer. According to author Mary Beltrán, in his portrayal of Carlos Estrada, Arnaz "established a successful negotiation of tensions inherent in playing a Latin romantic lead in this period, a negotiation that set the stage for what would make Ricky Ricardo so popular with American viewers.[2] His music, with songs such as "Holiday in Havana" and the "Arnaz Jam" featured in the film.

Holiday in Havana
Directed byJean Yarbrough
Written byKaren DeWolf
Robert Lees
Frederic I. Rinaldo
Story byMorton Grant
Produced byTed Richmond
StarringDesi Arnaz
Mary Hatcher
Ann Doran
CinematographyVincent J. Farrar
Edited byHenry Batista
Music byPaul Mertz
Production
company
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • October 15, 1949 (1949-10-15)
Running time
73 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot edit

The story about the difficult role of a Cuban bandleader Carlos Estrada. His romantic vis-a-vis is a peppery dancer named Lolita Valdez. Just before the lovers participate in a gala Havana festival, Carlos has a lot of explaining to do when Lolita catches him in the arms of another.[3]

Cast edit

References edit

  1. ^ Pérez, Louis A. (2008). On Becoming Cuban: Identity, Nationality, and Culture. Univ of North Carolina Press. p. 205. ISBN 978-0-8078-5899-8.
  2. ^ Beltrán, Mary (2009). Latina Stars in U.S. Eyes. University of Illinois Press. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-252-07651-0.
  3. ^ "Holiday in Havana (1949) - Jean Yarbrough | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie".

External links edit