The Loves Of Carmen (1948)

In 19th century Spain, a corporal (Glenn Ford) in the dragoons falls under the spell of a gypsy vixen (Rita Hayworth) that will prove fatal to both of them. Based on the novel CARMEN by Prosper Merimee (best known for Bizet's opera adaptation) and directed by Charles Vidor (GILDA). Handsomely shot in vivid three strip Technicolor by William E. Snyder (whose work here received an Oscar nomination), Vidor directs the movie towards a more realistic (well, for Hollywood anyway) style rather than a more "operatic" style that would conjure up images of its opera counterpart. The film suffers from a major piece of miscasting. Ford and Hayworth had a nice chemistry and made a total of four films together but he's egregiously out of place here. While Hayworth is convincing as a Spanish gypsy, Ford as a hot blooded Latin lover is absurd. Ford can do a simmering rage and revenge but romantic passion is out of his ken. Hayworth has an opportunity to go back to her roots as a Spanish dancer and does several flamenco numbers. The score is by Mario Castelnuovo Tedesco. With Victor Jory, Ron Randell, Luther Adler, Arnold Moss and Margaret Wycherly.