Review of Fiesta

Although it was sold as a musical, this is a very borderline entry. It has no songs except for a couple of perfunctory Mexican numbers, sung in Spanish by a chorus. The one real piece of music is Copland's "El Salon Mexico" which is presented in both an extracted and condensed version by Montalban/Iturbi at the piano. And Esther Williams' fans will be likewise disappointed by her very brief dip into the water. In fact, for the most part, what we have here is a rather boring twins' impersonation plot, complete with endlessly tedious dialog from John Carroll. For some unknown reason, Carroll gives his vocal chords a rest in this entry and sings not so much as a single note! While Carroll clutters up the scenery as a straight lover for Miss Williams, Akim Tamiroff contributes a lot of hammy and totally witless comic relief. The actual star of the film, judged by who has the largest role, is Fortunio Bonanova -- and never was he more ham-fisted and boring! He doesn't sing either. Mary Astor has a thankless, long-suffering wife/mother role. It must be admitted that the director -- Thorpe himself? -- makes the most of his Mexican locations, although obvious stock footage, stunt doubles and process screen effects are still employed -- especially in the bullfighting sequences.