Weekend in Havana

 

 

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I recently acquired this film on DVD,one that I hadn't seen in many years,for which I had alot of fond memories and which to my delight hadn't lost a single bit of its' charm.In fact the print used here is very clean and crisp and enhanced the viewing pleasure.Furthermore the Fox production unit didn't hold back on it's use of colour which was deliberately quite eye catching.
The story here is pretty standard musical fare of the period.But with this film especially,it's the sum of all its' parts that add up to a VERY enjoyable viewing experience.John Payne is a steamship executive who is sent to get waivers from passengers aboard ones of its' ships run aground off the Florida coast.He gets every passengers' signature but one,Macy's shop clerk Alice Faye.On the steamship expense,she is flown directly to Havana and put up in the presidential suite of a posh hotel.Payne is all business and his attempts to show Alice "a good time" backfires.She's bored.Into the picture comes suave and debonair Cesar Romero.He thinks Alice is a wealthy American.He "manages" local singer Carmen but has always got a scheme on the side to make money;mostly in the gambling department,which has left him in debt to casino owner Sheldon Leonard.He hopes "wealthy" Alice will get him out of his debts.Much to Cesars' chagrin he slowly finds out there's no chance.
In steps Payne who agrees to slowly pay off Romero's casino debts in exchange for his services in showing Alice a good time,in order to secure that all important waiver signature.Payne hasn't counted on the interference of Carmen who is quite jealous of Cesar's "attentions" towards any female,real or not,but especially Fayes'.The plot thickens with Payne getting involved as Carmen's new manager but in the process letting the cat out of the bag regarding his relationship with Romero.He becomes on the outs with both ladies until Payne and Faye get stranded miles from town and fall in love.Payne however is torn because of his betrothel to his sweetheart back in New York.Before he can come clean to Alice,his "intended" shows up to put a wrench into the proceedings.Payne and his fiance' fly back to New York but,as is his duty in these films,comes back happily to Alice in the end.
This picture,I understand,was a delight to make for all involved.All were to become fast friends on and off the set.The chemistry certainly shows on screen also.You will find that the film is edited beautifully and flows seamlessly from one scene to another and the 80 minutes brings the picture to too short an end.To me the highlight of this film is Carmen Miranda.Her energy and joie de vivre steal every scene in which she appears.She is in fine form in her beautful baiana and platform shoes,with those expressive eyes and flowing arms.She opens the movie and closes it nicely with fellow cast members.
The entire production is wonderfully choreographed by Fred Astaires' friend and working partner Hermes Pan who was having a very successful period with Fox.
The DVD comes with comes with the prerequisite trailer,audio commentary and photo gallery.However,enclosed with the movie are four collectible 5"X7" repro lobby cards.A very nice touch.
In conclusion this film is not an intellectual mountain-to-climb nor a dazzling special effects barn burner;it is a plain and simple musical of the times.What puts it head and shoulders above many other films of the day however is the wonderful cast that has great chemistry and charm.Enhancing the proceedings are Payne,Faye and Miranda who all have their musical moments in which there is never a dull moment during its' 80 minute run.
I recommend it highly!

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