Fiesta (1947)

A father (Fortunio Bonanova) has high hopes that his son (Ricardo Montalban) will become a bullfighter but he dislikes bullfighting and wants to be a composer instead. Meanwhile, his twin sister (Esther Williams) shows an interest in and a talent for the bullfight ring. Directed by Richard Thorpe (IVANHOE), this is a curiosity in the filmography of Esther Williams at MGM in that it’s not an Esther Williams vehicle as such. She swims for about 10 seconds from a raft to the shore and that’s the extent of her in the water. She’s used as an actress here but a major suspension of disbelief is required if we’re to accept Williams not only as a Mexican but as Ricardo Montalban’s (the only authentic Mexican in the cast) twin sister as well. Aaron Copland’s EL SALON MEXICO has been adapted by Johnny Green as a composition by Montalban’s character, here called FANTASIA MEXICANA. Mary Astor as the mother is ill used except for one good scene, Cyd Charisse is Ricardo’s girl (they have one good dance number), John Carroll is Esther’s guy and the always agreeable Akim Tamiroff, a family retainer. Overall, a dreary affair although Montalban has some good moments. It was hard for me to get past the bullfighting theme and sequences as it’s a “sport” I detest.